CAPECO helps income eligible households with their heating and electricity costs. The program operates year-round utilizing federal and state funds for each fiscal year beginning October first through September 30th.  Funds are limited.
Our Energy Department is responsible for the management and administration of Energy assistance services to low-income Oregonians residing in Gilliam, Morrow, Umatilla, and Wheeler counties, in the following ways:
  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
  • Case Managed Energy Assistance
  • Shut-off Utility Assistance
  • Home Energy Education
Energy assistance programs are available to aid income eligible households with electricity, natural gas, oil, propane and wood. Payments are issued directly to vendors depending on the availability of funds.
Households may be eligible if their total gross income (before taxes) is below the income guidelines.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides income eligible households a one-time payment issued to their energy vendor to help offset the high cost of energy during the heating season.

In order to apply for energy assistance, consumers will be asked to provide:
  • Information for all household members, including name, date of birth, social security number, contact and residence information, level of education, etc.
  • Proof of income for the previous month and identification for all household members 18 and older.
  • Copy of current heating and electric bill
  • Copy of past due notice or shut-off notice from the utility provider, if applicable
Photo by Jennifer L Rehmel
What to bring to your Energy Appointment*
*Appointments are not a guarantee of assistance
 
YOU MUST BRING THE FOLLOWING TO YOUR APPOINTMENT:
Check each item below to make sure you have gathered all info, If not you will be RESCHEDULED. If you cannot make it please call to cancel or reschedule.               
  • STATE ISSUED PICTURE ID for household members 18 or older & Social Security Cards for everyone in the home.  
  • INCOME: Proof of all household income for the previous calendar month. Example: pay stubs, current gross benefit Letter for Social Security/pension/VA, unemployment, child support, TANF, rentals, alimony, workers comp, side jobs etc.
    • Income for: ______________
    • >>NOTE: Anyone working seasonal work, or self-employed must bring in recent tax returns.<<
  • Anyone 18 or older with no income and NOT in High School MUST come fill out a zero income Form (DHI). Anyone 18 and older still in High School will need to provide current year enrollment form.
  • CURRENT ELECTRIC & HEATING BILL (gas, oil, propane, wood, pellets).  MUST BRING RECEIPTS

NOTE: All utility bills must be in an adult household member’s name. The account holder (or the customer’s authorized agent for the utility or fuel vendor) must sign the energy application.  If heat is included in the rent or in the landlord’s name you must bring in a copy of your recent rental agreement.

Pendleton area: 800-752-1139 or 541-276-1926
Hermiston/Milton/Morrow/Gilliam & Wheeler Counties: 800-214-4776 or 541-289-7755

Payment Amount Is Based On

  • Total household income and number of people living in the household.
  • Income includes: Wages, TANF, Unemployment, SSI, Social Security, Pension, Veterans Benefits, Alimony, Child Support, Tribal General Assistance, Self Employment, Worker’s Comp and other income.
  • Payments are made directly to the fuel vendor (electric, gas propane or oil). It generally takes 4-6 weeks after the application is approved before the payment is received by vendor.
  • Eligible households are still responsible to pay their heating bill until the payment is posted to their account.

Shut-off Utility Assistance

Households seeking energy assistance will be asked to provide:
  1. Information for all household members, including, but not limited to: Name, Date of birth, social security number, contact and residence information, level of education, etc.
  2. Proof of income for the previous month for all household members, 18 & older
  3. Copy of identification and social security card for all household members, 18 & older
  4. Copy of current utility bill and heating vendor bill
  5. Copy of past due notice or shut-off notice from utility provider

Home Energy Education

CAPECO has an Energy Educator on staff who provides public workshops and in-home services which instruct people on how to save energy.  Energy Education programs promote self-awareness of how to control energy usage in the home through conservation, installation of self-help materials, and modifying consumption.  Our Energy Educator may also be able to provide and/or install basic weatherization materials to income-eligible households.  These may include but are not limited to: plastic window cover kits, a low-flow shower head, sink aerators, door sweeps, and outlet seals.
For more information on these programs and services please Contact Us or call 541-276-1926.

Energy Assistance Tips

  • If you get behind on your bill, call the utility company and try to arrange a payment plan.
  • Let the utility company know you are seeking assistance from our energy assistance program. They will usually try to work with you.
  • Always make payments on your energy bill. It effects your credit.
  • Apply for CAPECO’s cost-free Weatherization services.
  • Utilize equal payment plans at utility company.

Affordable Connectivity Program

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)’s Affordable Connectivity Program benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month for eligible low-income households or $75 per month for households on Tribal lands to cover internet bills, as well as discounts on some devices. This program can also be combined with other benefits such as Lifeline and WIC. Find out more about the Affordable Connectivity Program at https://www.fcc.gov/acp.