Income-Qualified Bill Discount
Energy is essential. It’s something we all need and we know times can get tough. With our Income-Qualified Bill Discount program, you can get a monthly discount between 15% and 60% off your energy use. Find out if you qualify and apply today – it’s super easy.
Pay less for your energy
Our Income-Qualified Bill Discount program provides ongoing, monthly help with your PGE bill - even if you already receive assistance from us or other agencies. Depending on your household size and combined annual income, your monthly discount could be between 15 and 60%. We won’t require any financial documents from you to apply. We’ll only need to know your household size and average gross annual household income.
Lower your bill
A simple and easy way to get between 15% and 60% discount off your energy use.
More, not less
This ongoing, monthly discount will be in addition to any energy assistance you may be receiving.
Easy enrollment
Have your household size and average annual income numbers handy when you apply, but no financial documents are required.
Do you qualify? Let’s find out!
If you have any questions about calculating your income, requirements of the program, or need help applying, our customer service advisors are available at 503-228-6322, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and can assist you in 200+ languages. We're here to help.
Household and income guidelines
Enrollment is available to qualifying residential PGE customers.
Eligibility is based on your household size and the average annual gross income for all members of your household 18 years and older combined.
Gross income means all household income before any deductions or taxes.
If you’ve received energy assistance in the past, it’s likely you qualify.
How to calculate your annual household income
For hourly workers, take your hourly wage and multiply that by your average hours worked weekly. Then multiply that number by 52 (weeks per year) to get your annual gross income (before taxes). Example:
$13.50 (hourly rate) x 40 (average hours worked per week) = $540
$540 x 52 (weeks per year) = $28,080 (annual gross income)
If your household income changes from month to month, take your combined income from the last month and multiply it by 12 to calculate your average gross annual household income.
It's easy to sign up
Applying only takes a few minutes. Start by selecting from the options below so we can provide you with the correct application. Or give us a call at 503-228-6322 and one of our Customer Service Advisors will walk you through it.
Select this option if you're a current PGE customer applying for yourself. Signing into your PGE account will ensure that any applicable discount is instantly applied.
Select this option if you are applying on behalf of someone else. Be sure to have their PGE account holder information handy when you apply.
Questions? We'll come answer them.
Invite us to speak at your event
Still have a few questions or don't quite know what to ask? We get it! That's why PGE employees are available to speak at your business, community or school event about our Income-Qualified Bill Discount program. We can even enroll qualified customers at in-person events. Let's get started.
As with any discount program, you’re bound to have questions.
Here’s some answers to the most frequently asked ones.
What does PGE do with my income and household information?
Your information is protected. We only use your income and household information to verify that you’re eligible for the program.
Will being on the Income-Qualified Bill Discount impact my ability to receive energy assistance?
No. The programs are separate and receiving energy assistance does not impact your ability to enroll in PGE’s bill discount. Once enrolled in the discount program, you’re still able to apply for and receive energy assistance.
What should I expect after signing up?
Once you submit the form online or call us to enroll, we’ll review your information to see whether you qualify for the program. Please allow 30 days for your application to be processed.
Once you’re approved, we'll send you a notification email or letter to confirm your enrollment and the percentage of discount you'll receive.
On an annual basis, we'll ask a small percentage of customers enrolled to provide proof of household size and income to ensure customers are eligible.
If I qualify, what else should I know about the program?
Once enrolled, the monthly discount will last for two years. You will need to re-enroll after two years, but we’ll send you a reminder in advance. The discount only applies to new charges billed after enrollment. The discount does not apply to charges billed prior to enrollment.
The discount may not apply to the next bill you receive, but the following bill after that and you’ll see it reflected on your bill.
This discount does not apply to your total monthly amount due. Certain charges are not included in the discount.
How does the discount apply to my monthly bill? What’s included and what’s not included?
The discount applies to “Energy Charges” as well as “Adjusting Schedules” charges on your bill, unless on the excluded list below.
Charges excluded from the discount:
Green Future Choice
Green Future Solar
Green Future Fixed
Green Future Habitat
Solar Customer Charge (Solar Payment Option)
Schedule 300 - Meter Rental Charge and Non-Network Meter Read
Schedule 109 – Energy Efficiency Funding Adjustment
Schedule 115 – Low Income Assistance
“Other Charges/Credits” and “Taxes and Fees”. While the discount doesn’t directly apply to these specific charges on your bill, the amount due for them will still be lower.
What if my household size or income changes?
If your household size or income changes, you’ll need to submit a new form online or call us at 503-228-6322 with your updated information.
What if I receive a utility allowance?
Receiving a utility allowance doesn't impact your ability to enroll in the program. If you have questions about how the Income-Qualified Bill Discount may impact your utility allowance, please contact the agency providing the utility allowance.
What if I’m unable to pay my bill and my power gets disconnected?
A disconnection doesn't impact your participation in this program. You’ll still be enrolled. We understand sometimes it can be difficult to pay your energy bills. We’re here to help. Give us a call at 503-228-6322 to talk through your options.
What if I currently don’t have any income but I’m waiting to start a new job in the next 30 days?
You’ll find what’s considered income and . If you don’t have any additional income, you can mark your current income as $0. When your income changes (e.g. start a new job), please fill out a new form or give us a call at 503-228-6322 to update your information.
More payment assistance options
In addition to PGE’s bill assistance program, you may also be eligible for assistance from NW Natural or Pacific Power.
Energy assistance programs
We understand that sometimes it can be difficult to pay your energy bills. Additional help may be available through a variety of resources.
High bill help
Cold winters and hot summers can lead to high bills. That’s why we have tips and resources for you.