Energy Services

YCAP provides income eligible households the opportunity to be safe and warm through bill assistance, energy education, and comprehensive Weatherization. Energy bill assistance is provided through the Federal Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP) through PGE, and the Oregon Low-Income Gas Assistance (OLGA) program through Northwest Natural Gas. Use of these funds for payment of high winter energy bills allows clients to stretch limited funds further to pay for other basic needs such as food, housing and medical expenses. Energy Education services occur through one-on-one client meetings, energy audits by the YCAP Energy Technician, or through workshops. Low-cost self-help kits are available to households to reduce their energy burden. Weatherization services are available to qualifying homes and apartments, providing a holistic approach to ensure home safety, maximum energy savings, and housing affordability. In 2006-07, the Energy Services program provided 1,701 households with energy assistance for a total distribution of $429,062 in Federal Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) funds. Weatherization “audits” were conducted in 45 units, and complete weatherization services were provided to 46 units.

Bill Assistance Programs

LIEAP—Senior and Disabled Households for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (known as LIEAP) begins in October with general public applications taken in December.  Assistance will be directed to the primary heat source in the home.   (Click here for forms)

OEAP—(known as Oregon Energy Assistance Program) is for PGE customers only.   OEAP qualifying criteria includes income eligibility.   Priority status may be given to households with no power or a shut-off notice.   YCAP receives a quarterly allocation to serve a limited number of households.

OLGA (known as Oregon Low-Income Gas Assistance) is for Northwest Natural Gas (NWNG) customers only.  OLGA qualifying criteria includes (a) income eligibility and (b) active account with NWNG.   

Contact the Energy Services Department at 1-800-945-9992 ext 140 for  free weatherization assistance.

 A Few Ideas to Reduce Your Consumption

• Consider closing your drapes during the day in summer to keep the heat out and open during the day in winter to let the heat in.
• Move furniture and drapes away from registers and heaters so the air you heat or cool your house with can circulate efficiently.
• Turn down the heat at night and when you are away from home.  
• Turn off lights and electronics, such as TVs and computers, when not in use.