Record Number of Marion County Residents Used Oregon Heat

Over 350,000 Oregon households qualify for energy assistance. Last year, Oregon HEAT was able to help over 7,000 households keep the heat on.

Photo by: Tim King

(SALEM) - A record number of Marion County residents used Oregon HEAT, a nonprofit group that helps low-income residents pay energy bills.

From July 2005 to June 2006, 1,325 people in Marion County used the service, said Roger Rees, the executive director of Oregon HEAT.

Oregon HEAT, the state’s largest non-profit organization providing energy assistance to low-income Oregonians, was recently recognized for its outstanding efforts to raise awareness of low-income energy issues by the The National Fuel Funds Network (NFFN).

“We’re honored to receive this national recognition of our leadership,” says Roger Rees, Oregon HEAT’s Executive Director. “Oregon HEAT works passionately to educate the public about the energy burden of low income people. This award applauds not only our efforts, but those of all of our partners and supporters.”

NFFN is a Washington D.C.-based organization comprised of more than 250 nonprofit agencies, utilities and government representatives throughout the U.S. that are involved with energy assistance for low-income people.

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.

In 2003, Oregon HEAT replaced energy hog refrigerators in Benton, Linn, Lincoln, Morrow and Umatilla counties.

This Refrigerator Replacement Pilot Program was funded through a generous $50,000 grant from the Oregon Department of Energy. 141 households received new, energy efficient models, with an estimated combined savings of $10,625 a year.

For more information on Oregon HEAT visit their website at www.oregonheat.org