You can help Oregonians stay warm this winter

Oregon’s sunny October will give way to November chill, but by donating to Oregon HEAT, Pacific Power customers can help make sure that their neighbors stay a little warmer. It can be as easy as writing one extra check, made out to Oregon HEAT, and mailing it in the contribution envelope they’ll receive in their November Pacific Power bill.

Many parts of Oregon continue to feel economic pain, and some residents who’ve managed before are now struggling to make ends meet. Pacific Power’s long-standing partnership with Oregon HEAT, a nonprofit organization that provides emergency energy assistance, directly helps customers in need of energy assistance.

During the 2012-13 program year, Pacific Power customers, employees and retirees donated more than $72,000 to Oregon HEAT for assistance to individuals and families. In addition, Pacific Power shareholders and the PacifiCorp Foundation donated more than $71,000. As a result, Oregon HEAT helped more than 6,000 people in Pacific Power communities from Portland to Pendleton, Roseburg to Millersburg and Coos Bay to Klamath Falls.

“While who needs assistance changes every year, the donations our customers, employees and retirees consistently make demonstrates their generosity and compassion for their neighbors,” said Pat Reiten, president and chief executive officer of Pacific Power. “This community commitment is a big part of our tradition of service at Pacific Power.”

“Thankfully, compassionate Oregonians donate to Oregon HEAT to help their neighbors facing severe economic challenges maintain basic daily needs such as heat and lights,” said Joan Towers, Oregon HEAT executive director. “As we all prepare to face winter together with our many community partners, Oregon HEAT returns at least 90 cents of every donated dollar back into the communities to help families with very low incomes. Public contributions are crucial to thousands of individuals served.”

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 special envelope that is arriving with their November electric bill.

The second option is a fixed donation program that lets customers donate any dollar amount they wish, starting as low as $1 per month, which is then incorporated into their monthly Pacific Power bill throughout the year. This option is especially useful for customers who pay their bills online. Enrolling in the fixed donation program is very quick; simply 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 forwarded directly to Oregon HEAT, which works with more than 30 community agencies statewide to ensure contributions help those in need. Donations stay within the local community where they were made – neighbors helping neighbors.

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

And, assistance with insulation and energy efficiency, which can also lower bills, is available via a partnership between Pacific Power and the Energy Trust of Oregon. Call Pacific Power at the above number or the Energy Trust toll free at 1-866-368-7878 .