Mission Statement

The Mission of Oregon HEAT is to raise and coordinate resources to help low-income Oregonians meet their household energy needs and move them toward energy self-reliance.

What is Oregon HEAT?

Oregon HEAT is an independent nonprofit organization founded in 1989 to help low income Oregonians become more energy self-reliant. Oregon HEAT's primary program objective is to prevent disconnection of utility service during inclement weather by providing bill payment assistance to low income households in emergency situations.

Oregon HEAT works with social service and other agencies across the state to screen requests for assistance from customers of Pacific Power, PGE and West Oregon Electric Cooperative. Oregon HEAT provides assistance by purchasing heating oil when funds are available. Oregon HEAT makes payments directly to utilities or venders on behalf of low income customers who qualify for assistance.

To help low income households move toward self-reliance, Oregon HEAT is stepping up its efforts to provide energy conservation education, weatherization of homes, and hardware to reduce energy use. Visit the Energy Smart* program description.

Who sponsors Oregon HEAT?

Oregon HEAT is a partnership of individuals, social service agencies and utilities working together to keep the homes of low income Oregonians warm and safe.

The majority of funding for Oregon HEAT comes from donations from individuals and small foundation grants. All donations collected across the state are spent in the region from which they came (i.e., funds raised in Medford are spent in Southern Oregon, funds raised in Pendleton are spent in Eastern Oregon, funds raised in Bend are spent in Central Oregon, etc.).

Additional cash donations and in-kind support come from Pacific Power and PGE. Oregon HEAT receives no federal or state operating support, and no United Way funds.

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