Resources to get cool, stay cool, and lower your utility bills

Keep your home healthy and comfortable, and reduce your bills this summer

There is so much to love about summer. Many of us look forward to this season and think of warm weather as an opportunity to get outside. But, in recent years, summers in Multnomah County have been more challenging. We've often needed to cool our spaces due to high temperatures and purify our air from wildfire smoke.

Addressing these concerns can add pressure to our finances and comfort. The heat and poor air threaten everyone's health. 

Making some easy, free, or low-cost fixes can make our spaces more comfortable and our bills less expensive. Saving money on bills can even help some low-income community members avoid disconnection. For some, having access to utilities can save lives.

Resources to get cool, and stay cool

• Region-specific tips can help you save energy this summer. If you live in Multnomah County, you can:

  • Add shades on windows that facing west and south

  • Close shades during the hottest part of the day

  • Avoid cooking inside on hot days, and

  • Use window fans

• Cool off and save energy with ETO's five summertime tips:

  • Power down heat-generating appliances, electronics, and incandescent bulbs

  • Learn to use windows strategically

  • Learn to use fans the right way

  • Keep hot air out and cool air in, and

  • Be smart with your air conditioning.

• Complete a free, online home energy assessment to find ways to improve comfort and cut energy costs.

• The Energy Trust of Oregon (ETO) is a local nonprofit. ETO provides financial incentives to people who conserve energy and are customers of PGE, Pacific Power, and NW Natural.

• Check out ETO's resource on tips and resources on cooling equipment, and how to select the right cooling equipment for you.

• Learn about incentives to make home upgrades to help reduce energy use, deep discounts on smart thermostats, and energy efficient air purifiers to help with indoor air quality.

• Stay cool without AC this summer.

• Want to get out of the house? A cooling center in Multnomah County may be open near you.

Resources for income-eligible people

• Apply for up to 20 programs with the Common Application, including County services like weatherization and the Wood Burning Exchange Program, and utility bill discount programs with Pacific Power, PGE, or NW Natural.

• Get help with your utility bills and sign up for discounts with Pacific Power, PGE, or NW Natural.

• Do you live in Multnomah County and heat with a wood stove in the winter? Apply to Multnomah County's Wood Burning Exchange Program for financial incentives to replace your wood stove with a heat pump. Ditching a wood stove in favor of a heat pump will improve the air you breathe at home and help your family stay cool in the summer. Incentives range from $3000 to a full cost replacement. The amount depends on eligibility and household income. 

• The Portland Clean Energy Fund offers cooling units to eligible Portland residents. Call 311 or apply online.

• Community Energy Project, a local community-based organization, offers free in-home repairs and energy efficiency upgrades. Services are available to income-qualifying individuals, older adults, and people with disabilities. 

• Multnomah County Weatherization offers services for your home to become safer and more comfortable at no cost to you. The team will address your indoor air quality and lower your energy bill. 

• City of Gresham offers utility financial assistance for residents who have a Gresham utility billing account.

Energy disconnections

• During extreme weather, an air quality event, or while under a wildfire evacuation, new protections prevent utilities from disconnecting energy to your home. These protections also significantly limit utilities’ ability to charge reconnection fees for low-income customers.