Help your neighbors through Oregon HEAT

It is getting cold out there, but by donating to Oregon HEAT, Pacific Power customers can help make sure that their neighbors’ stay a little warmer.

It is as easy as writing one extra check, made out to Oregon HEAT, and including it with your monthly electric payment.

Economic uncertainty continues and it is a cold fact that many residents who have never before been affected are facing financial troubles. Pacific Power is continuing its long-standing partnership with Oregon HEAT to help customers in need of energy assistance.

Oregon HEAT, a nonprofit organization, provides emergency energy assistance in Oregon communities based upon the donations received from each community’s county.

“While who needs assistance changes every year, the donations our customers have consistently made prove their generosity and compassion for their neighbors,” said Pat Reiten, president and chief executive officer of Pacific Power. “That is the kind of community we are proud to be part of.”

During the 2011-12 program year, Pacific Power customers, employees and retirees donated more than $121,000 to Oregon HEAT. In addition, Pacific Power shareholders and the PacifiCorp Foundation donated more than $273,000. As a result, Oregon HEAT helped 2,338 households served by Pacific Power.

“At a time when the average family income is in decline compared to the past few years, Oregonians everywhere are stepping up to help their neighbors in critical need of heat and lights by donating to Oregon HEAT,” said Roger Rees, executive director of Oregon HEAT. “Facing a winter that may be severe and with the growing number of desperate families, we continue to work hard to return at least 90 cents of every dollar donated back into the communities to help these families. Public donations will be crucial to any successes we may achieve.”

There are two ways Pacific Power customers can donate to Oregon HEAT. The first is by writing a separate check to Oregon HEAT and including it in the same envelope as the monthly power bill payment they send back to Pacific Power.

The fixed donation program is the second option that allows customers to donate any dollar amount, starting as low as $1 per month, which is then incorporated into their monthly bill by Pacific Power. This program can also easily be used by the many customers who pay bills online. To enroll in the fixed donation program, please call Pacific Power toll-free at 1-888-221-7070 to set up the donation. The amount you choose to donate will appear on your bill, either on paper or online.

All donations are tax-deductible and are sent to Oregon HEAT, which works with local agencies to get the funds to those in need.

Customers who need bill assistance themselves can call Pacific Power representatives who can help develop payment plans that work for them or direct them to agencies that may be able to help. Pacific Power’s customer service number is 1-888-221-7070 .