The Oregon Legislature is taking significant steps to support low-income residents facing rising electricity costs. During a recent Senate meeting, lawmakers discussed House Bill 3792B, which aims to double funding for the Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP) from $20 million to $40 million. This program is crucial for helping low-income Oregonians avoid disconnection of their electricity services.

Currently, residential users of Pacific Gas and Electric (PGE) or Pacific Power contribute approximately 70 cents per month to fund OEAP. If the bill passes, this charge will increase to about $1.40 per month. For larger commercial users, the maximum contribution will rise from $500 to $1,000 per month. This increase is designed to provide more robust financial assistance to those in need, particularly as many Oregonians have faced dramatic electricity rate hikes—some as high as 50% since 2021.

The urgency of this bill is underscored by alarming statistics: in 2024 alone, there were nearly 58,000 residential shutoffs in Oregon, the highest number recorded since tracking began in 2018. These disconnections can be especially harmful for vulnerable populations, including seniors and families with young children, as well as individuals who rely on electricity for medical equipment.

Senators emphasized the importance of protecting low-income residents from the threat of disconnection, particularly as climate change leads to more extreme weather conditions. The bill has already garnered bipartisan support in the House, reflecting a collective commitment to safeguard the well-being of Oregon's most vulnerable citizens.

As the Senate continues to deliberate on this critical legislation, the potential impact on the community is clear: increased funding for OEAP could provide much-needed relief for families struggling to keep up with rising energy costs, ensuring that no one is left in the dark.