Oregon Energy Fund

Mission

Oregon Energy Fund’s mission is to assist our neighbors in financial crisis with their energy bills to support household stability.  

Bottom Line for Portland

Low-income Portlanders spend upwards of 5% of their annual income on energy and the burden is even higher on Black, Latinx, and Native households.  Those unable to pay are faced with a power shutoff, a devastating event that leaves families without the ability to prepare or store food; manage urgent medical needs like powering oxygen machines or refrigerating insulin; or take shelter from extreme temperatures. In 2022, Oregon Energy Fund helped 488 households in the Portland metro area.  

Quote

“It’s very scary to face an Oregon winter without heat. I love the immediacy and focus of your program. You are guardian angels!” – OEF client

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Energy insecurity disproportionately affects marginalized communities, with many people of color, seniors, and people with disabilities spending over 10% of their annual income on energy. As Oregon’s only statewide energy assistance nonprofit, OEF is committed to prioritizing our vulnerable neighbors through accessible, anti-racist, and low-barrier programs. Last year, 50% of OEF clients identified as non-white, 55% were women, and nearly all earned less than 70% of the statewide median income. 

Incentives

The first 5 donors to give a gift of $250 or more will receive a Bennett Buddy package from Mike Bennett Studios (includes a "Slow Down" lawn sign, flamingo, stickers and a poster).  

Partner(s)

Portland General Electric will post a call for donations to OEF through Give!Guide on their employee bulletins. 

Pacific Power will post a call for donations to OEF through Give!Guide on their employee bulletins.