Energy Assistance in Portland, Oregon

For low-income families, energy costs are often a major expense. However, for those in Portland, Oregon, there are several energy-assistance programs available. These include the Oregon Energy Assistance Program and the Home Energy Assistance program, as well as appliance rebates.

Oregon Energy Assistance Program

• The Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP) was created in 1999 to help low-income families facing electricity shut off. To qualify, your household income must be no more than 60 percent of Oregon's median income, according to Oregon Housing and Community Services. For example, in 2010, a family of five can have an annual income of up to $49,793.

Home Energy Assistance Program

• Another type of energy assistance available in Portland, Oregon is the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Services provided through this program include energy education, case management and assistance with bill payment. Like OEAP, your household income must be within 60 percent of Oregon's median income in order to be eligible.

Appliance Rebates

• The State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate program was established by the federal government, in an effort to assist families with replacing old appliances with ones that use energy more effectively, and in turn, provide savings on energy bills. In Oregon, this benefit is available to low-income homeowners, to replace equipment that is non-working or is not energy-effective. As of July 2010, this includes items such as dishwashers and refrigerators.