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Imagine a life without electricity or natural gas. No A/C to keep you cool in the summer. No heat to warm your family in the winter. No stove, no refrigerator, no lights, no internet.

For thousands of Oregon families, this scenario is all too real. A medical emergency or loss of income can quickly snowball into a financial crisis, leaving families with mounting debt and agonizing decisions. Buy food or pay the electric bill? Give up light, or sacrifice medicine? Rent or the gas bill? We believe no one should face these questions.

The Oregon Energy Fund is a 35-year-old nonprofit that provides energy bill assistance to low-income Oregonians in support of household stability. Since 1989, OEF has helped over 350,000 people pay their bills in times of crisis, ensuring that families in need don’t have to sacrifice food, rent, or medicine to pay for electricity. Through the direct service of energy assistance, we supply a basic need that prevents the triple traumas of illness, homelessness, and hunger, and gives children and adults alike the support they need to lead healthy and productive lives.

We’ve been serving the state since 1989. But we wanted to reintroduce ourselves and let you know we’re here: Powering Homes, Powering Lives

 


Know Someone Who Needs Energy Assistance?

 

Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, AVISTA, and Cascade Natural Gas all have income-based bill discount programs that provide ongoing, monthly help with your bill that's in addition to any other assistance you may be getting from us or other agencies. Signing up is easy and takes only a few minutes through an online form or contacting customer service!


Bill Stuffers

Be on the lookout for our donation envelopes in your fall Portland General Electric or Pacific Power bill!

In Their Words

"If I hadn't received assistance, I wouldn't have had electricity, and if you don't have electricity, you can't live in your home. You don't have your refridgerator, you don't have your toilets, you don't have your air conditioning, your heaters. It's dark, it's cold. So I am very grateful because without Oregon Energy Fund, I wouldn't have been able to live here."  - Rickie, OEF Client

"Oregon Energy Fund has opened my eyes and heart to people who can't count on what I take for granted: I turn up the thermostat and the heat comes on. I hit a switch and the light comes on. I wish I could give more. But I'll keep giving." - Steven, OEF  Donor

"You have made managing and surviving through our current crises possible. Your kind spirit and incredible concern for my family has been encouraging and uplifting. Thank you from the bottom of my heart." - OEF Client

"Each year, as I write out and mail my contribution, I am thankful that I can be of some assistance. That my small contribution will keep heat and lights on, at least for a few.” - Teresa, OEF Donor