Energy Assistance

What we offer

LIHEAP – Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that helps eligible households pay heating and energy costs during the program year.

LIHEAP may help:

• Reduce heating and energy costs
• Prevent utility shutoffs
• Restore disconnected service
• Support energy stability during high-cost periods

Eligibility

Eligibility is based on household income, household size, and energy burden. Income guidelines are updated annually according to federal requirements.

Program Benefits

Benefit amounts vary based on household income, household size, energy costs, fuel type, and available funding. Payments are typically made directly to the energy provider on behalf of the customer.

How to Apply

Applicants may schedule an appointment to apply for assistance by calling OIC's automated appointment line at 509-955-7100. Availability is limited.

Applicants may be required to provide:

• Proof of income
• Identification for household members
• Current utility bills
• Social Security numbers (if applicable)
• Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis

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LIBA Program – Pacific Power

The Low-Income Bill Assistance (LIBA) program through Pacific Power provides monthly bill discounts to help reduce electric costs for income-qualified households.

Eligibility

• Household gross income (including deductions) must not exceed the higher of:
• 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), or
• 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), adjusted for household size.

Program Benefits

• Customers are placed into one of six benefit levels
• Monthly electric bill discount for 12 or 24 consecutive months
• Discount amount varies based on income, household circumstances, and monthly energy usage

How to Apply

Applications may be submitted in person at an OIC office by completing a paper application, or online via Pacific Power’s LIBA application portal: here. Additional documentation may be required to verify eligibility.

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CARES Program – Cascade Natural Gas

The CARES Program through Cascade Natural Gas helps income-qualified customers manage their natural gas bills through monthly discounts, grants for past due balances, and flexible payment options.

Program Benefits

• Five different benefit tiers are available for qualifying applicants.

Eligible customers may receive:

• A monthly bill discount for up to 24 months
• Up to $500 total in as many as two grants to help pay a past due balance
• Monthly bill discounts range from 8%–90%.
• Grants may cover 50%–100% of the past due amount.

Eligibility

Applicants may qualify with household incomes up to:

• 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), or
• 80% of Area Median Income (AMI)

Customers may self-declare:

• Current monthly income
• Number of household residents

How to Apply:

Applications may be submitted through OIC or directly through Cascade Natural Gas. Applicants may apply through Cascade Natural Gas by calling Customer Service at 888-522-1130, logging into their account at Home - Cascade Natural Gas Corporation, or completing a paper application available through Cascade Natural Gas in multiple languages.

Additional Assistance: Long- or short-term payment arrangements and a Winter Help grant may also be available. Customers should contact Cascade Natural Gas Customer Service for more information.