Lowering your utility, phone and internet bills

Do not wait for the date on the notice.

1. Call the utility today. Ask for a payment plan, and sign up for the bill discount on the same call. Say so if anyone at home has a medical need.
   • PGE: 503-228-6322
   • Pacific Power: 1-888-221-7070
   • NW Natural: 800-422-4012
2. Call energy assistance the same day (step 3) and say "disconnect notice."
3. A medical need can hold off a shutoff. A doctor, nurse practitioner or PA can certify it by phone, then in writing within 14 days. It holds for 6 months, or 12 for a chronic illness. You still need a payment plan.
4. The utility will not work with you? Call Oregon PUC Consumer Services at 800-522-2404, weekdays 8am to 5pm.

Oregon utilities have to send a 20-day notice and then a 5-business-day notice. They cannot shut you off during severe heat, cold or wildfire smoke.

Already shut off? If you qualify for the bill discount or have a medical certificate, you pay no reconnection fee.

This is the fastest money on the list. You do not need to send income documents.

• PGE Income-Qualified Bill Discount: 15% to 80% off, depending on income. Call 503-228-6322.
• Pacific Power Low-Income Discount: call 1-888-221-7070. If you are behind, ask about forgiving part of the past-due balance.
• NW Natural Oregon Bill Discount: 15% to 40% off. Call 800-422-4012. They can also give up to $300 on the spot for a past-due bill.

You qualify at up to $40,326 a year for one person, $52,734 for two or $77,550 for four (2026 to 2027). Being signed up also means no late fees, deposits or reconnection fees. Renew every 2 years.

This is a payment straight to your utility, usually up to twice a year. It can also fix a broken heater.

• Multnomah County: call 211 or text your ZIP code to 898211. Each agency books its own appointments, so if one is full, try another.
• Washington County: Community Action, 503-615-0771. One application also covers water, garbage and internet in many cities. You do not need a Social Security number.
• Clackamas County: Social Services, 503-650-5640, Monday to Thursday.
• Rest of Oregon: oregonenergyfund.org/energy-assistance

Bring photo ID for every adult, your latest bill and the last 30 days of income.

It opens in waves: people 60 and older and people with disabilities in October, families with young kids in November, everyone else in December. Apply early.

• Portland Water Bureau Financial Assistance: 503-823-7770. A bill discount for single-family homes, and a crisis voucher of up to $500 after a job loss, medical emergency or domestic violence.
• Gresham: 503-618-2373. They do not ask about immigration status.
• Washington County cities: Community Action's one application (step 3) covers water in many of them.

If you rent an apartment and water is part of your rent, these do not apply to you.

• Oregon Lifeline: a monthly discount on phone or internet, or free wireless service. If you have SNAP or OHP, you need no documents. Call 800-848-4442, weekdays 9am to 4pm. It can take up to 60 days to show on your bill.
• Low-cost internet: Xfinity Internet Essentials is $14.95 a month (1-844-389-4681).
• A computer: Free Geek, 1700 SE Grand Ave in Portland, 503-232-9350, has refurbished computers and help getting online. County libraries have free wifi and laptops you can use there.

The federal internet discount (ACP) ended in 2024. Nothing replaced it.

If a bill is part of a bigger money emergency, see You need cash this week.