Utility Bill Discounts
Pacific Power, PGE, and NW Natural offer discounts to community members who qualify based on income (60% or below the state median household income). These programs do not use any type of government funding and are run by utilities, not government.
The discount level for qualifying customers varies based on income. Find program details, including whether you qualify, on each utility’s website, linked below.
Pacific Power customers can find more information and apply online or call 888-221-7070.
Portland General Electric customers can find more information and apply online or call 503-228-6322.
NW Natural customers can find more information and apply online or call 503-226-4211 or 800-422-4012.
We depend on energy utility services to help us stay healthy, safe, and comfortable. Every day, energy is used for basic needs like heating, cooling, powering medical equipment, keeping our food fresh, lighting our homes, charging our devices, and more. The wellbeing of our community members is at risk when they cannot afford their bills. These discount programs to low-income customers can improve accessibility, allow residents to improve comfort, and save lives. Multnomah County has worked hard to help design and improve them and will continue advocating for these and other measures that keep our community safe.
These programs do not require proof of income upon registration, though you may need to verify your income some time after registration. You will also need to re-enroll in the program at least every two years. Please make sure to monitor and respond to communications about the discount program so that you are not disenrolled.
Bill Assistance
At risk of disconnection or disconnected? You may be able to receive bill assistance grants. If you are experiencing utility debt or are at risk of disconnection, you may qualify for energy assistance that can help you settle some or all of that debt.
Disconnection Protections
You also have a number of protections if you are at risk of disconnections. For example, your utility can generally not disconnect you during severe weather and air quality events and while under wildfire evacuation. If you qualify as a low-income customer, you can also access a limited number of reconnection-fee waivers.
Resources to reduce utility bills
- Oregon Community Solar allows subscribers to access and enjoy the benefits of power generated by the sun. Community solar can be a great option to support renewable energy for people unable to invest in a solar rooftop system. Customers can subscribe to a Community Solar Project and get a credit on their utility bill for their portion of the energy generated by the project.
- The Multnomah County Weatherization Program can offer free services to people with limited incomes in Multnomah County.
- The City of Portland Energy Friendly Homes Program, funded by the Portland Clean Energy Fund, will provide funding for home energy upgrades.
- The Community Energy Project may also be able to support income-qualifying residents of Portland with upgrades and repairs to increase their comfort and reduce their bills, and they offer great weatherization workshops.
The Energy Trust of Oregon (ETO) has a wealth of DIY and low-cost projects and tips to help you keep your home comfortable, save on energy costs, and avoid potential damage to your home.
Other important resources
- Qualifying Oregon Health Plan members may be eligible for “home changes for health,” a health-related social needs (HRSN) benefit that seeks to connect them with devices to stay healthy during extreme weather like air conditioners, heater, air filters, and more. Find more information about this benefit here.