Oregon HEAT is kicking off its second decade of helping the state’s most vulnerable residents meet their energy needs. Pacific Power, which has been an Oregon HEAT partner since 1993, is urging customers who can afford it to donate to Oregon HEAT to help their neighbors who right now may be having trouble staying current with their energy bills.

“Oregon HEAT continues to be a tremendous asset to the state and that’s why we are so proud to partner with them,” said Pat Reiten, president of Pacific Power. “Fully 90 percent of the donations sent to Oregon HEAT end up warming the homes of our neighbors who need help. That’s an extraordinary achievement and we encourage you to join us by donating whatever you can.”

Pacific Power customers wil see blue-bordered Oregon HEAT envelopes with their February bills. These donations go directly to Oregon HEAT. Last year, more than $160,000 in donations came in from customers and Pacific Power employees and retirees. In addition, the company donated almost $236,000 from shareholder funds.

In the 12-month period ending June 30, 2009, Oregon HEAT helped pay energy bills for more than 5,700 persons in Oregon communities served by Pacific Power. That need is expected to be at least as great this year, according to recent national surveys.

“For 20 years, Pacific Power’s support of Oregon HEAT has been outstanding,” said Roger Rees, executive director of Oregon HEAT. “Customers, employees and shareholders have made such a difference with their contributions to Oregon HEAT. We couldn’t meet our mission to keep the lights and heat on for struggling families without their tremendous support.”

That need is felt directly at the 30 local community agencies that administer Oregon HEAT funds. Low-income families or individuals who need help apply at one of these agencies located throughout the state. Local agency staff reviews the applications for assistance, verifying eligibility to ensure that only people with a genuine need receive help from Oregon HEAT. Once a household is approved, Oregon HEAT pays the energy provider on their behalf, rather than giving cash directly to the individual requesting help.

Local agencies began taking applications and releasing Oregon HEAT funds in October. For a list of local agencies go to: www.OregonHEAT.org.

Contributions to Oregon HEAT are tax deductible and can be made by using donation envelopes included with February Pacific Power electric bills, by phone at 503-612-3790 or online at www.oregonheat.org. Credit cards can be used for online and phone donations. Pacific Power will make additional mailings in June. For more information, go to: www.PacificPower.net.