COVID 19 Pandemic
Utilities
Please note:
For any questions pertaining to the resources below, please contact the sponsoring companies directly. For all other questions or resource additions, please contact us at:
Paul@ionpdx.org
other resources
Utilities
Impact NW
Area Served: Portland Metro Area
Impact NW provides a safety net for families in crisis, with services that connect them to housing and energy assistance while supporting them as they move toward independence.
Oregon Energy Fund
Area Served: Oregon
Oregon Energy Fund provides funds for energy assistance to 30+ partner agencies and nonprofits throughout Oregon. If you need help paying your electric bill, enter your county or zip code on website to the right to find out who has energy assistance in your area and how to contact them.
Portland General Electric
Area Served: Portland
They have suspended non-payment disconnection. Urging customers to call them if you need help with your bill so they can work with you to find a solution that fits your needs. You can request a payment extension 24/7 by logging in to your account or calling their automated phone system.
NW Natural Gas
Area Served: Oregon
Will not disconnect customers who can’t make utility payments due to the impacts caused by Coronavirus.
Portland Water Bureau
Area Served: Portland
The Portland Water Bureau offers financial assistance in the form of payment arrangements, bill discounts for sewer and water charges, crisis vouchers, fixture repair services, and the Utility Safety Net program. To respond to the impacts of COVID-19, they have expanded financial assistance program qualifications.
Pacific Power
Area Served: Oregon
Pacific Power is temporarily suspending disconnections and late fees for non-payment for customers in Oregon, Washington and California to support the state of emergency declared in all three states in response to the COVID-19 virus.
Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, NW Fiber and more
Area Served: Nationwide
FCC Chairman Pai has asked phone companies to pledges for the next 60 days (until mid-May) to: (1) not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic; (2) waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and (3) open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.
Spectrum (Charter Communications)
Area Served: Oregon
Won’t terminate service for residential or small business customers and won’t charge late fees for those customers facing difficult economic circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Customers should contact them about qualifying for payment extensions related to COVID-19.
Comcast
Area Served: Oregon
They will make it easier for low-income families who live in a Comcast service area to sign up by offering new customers 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month. They are also increasing Internet speeds for the Internet Essentials service for all new and existing customers.
Auto Insurance Refunds and Credits for Oregonians
Area Served: Oregon
As of 4/23, the companies listed on website to the right have agreed to provide premium refunds or credits to Oregonians.
Fund for PPS Students - Free Internet
Area Served: Portland Public Schools
Comcast’s Internet Essentials is a program designed for low-income families and individuals to acquire access to the internet. The Fund for PPS has made an initial commitment to sponsor up to six months of free internet connectivity for 2,000 families. Fill out form (to the right) to access.