Pacific Power Offering Ways to Help Those in Need

Friends, neighbors and relatives seldom ask for what they may need the most; peace of mind when it comes to the electric bill.

"No one puts 'help with my power bill' on their list of holiday wishes, but for many it tops their secret list," said Pat Egan, Pacific Power's vice president for customer and community affairs. "If you know someone who is struggling or could just use a boost this season, it is a great way to show you care. We have other assistance programs and ways for you to help your neighbors, but this is a very personal way to help someone directly."

The gift program has been available for years, and while it has taken on more resonance during recent years of economic strain, this can also be a terrific gift for young adults or families just getting started on their own, or a favorite aunt or grandparents.

Giving a gift of electricity is simple. It can be anonymous or personal being a Pacific Power customer is not a requirement. There are three very easy ways to make a gift payment:

1. Make a gift payment by mail

Write a check to Pacific Power and indicate "Gift Payment" on the memo line. Please include a note with the following information:

* Your contact name and phone number
* The name and address of the customer receiving the gift payment
* An indication if you would like the payment to be anonymous, or if you want an acknowledgment letter sent to the customer.

Send to:
Pacific Power
Attention: Gift Payments
PO Box 5504
Portland, OR 97208-5504

2. Pay by phone (using a check)

To make a check payment over the phone, call toll free at 1-888-221-7070 and have the name and address of the receiving party as well as the following information ready to give to a customer service representative:

* The numbers across the bottom of your check.
* The dollar amount you wish to pay.

3. Pay by phone (using credit or debit cards)

To make a payment by phone using your credit or debit card, call toll free at 1-888-221-7070 and have the name and address of the receiving party as well as the following information ready to give to a customer service representative:

* Your credit or debit card number and expiration date.
* The zip code where your card statement is mailed.
* The dollar amount you wish to pay.

For payments by phone, whether check or credit/debit card, there is a $1.95 fee charged by a third-party vendor. Pacific Power does not receive any portion of this fee.

Customers who need bill assistance themselves can talk with Pacific Power representatives who can help with payment plans that work for their individual needs or direct them to agencies that may be able to help. Pacific Power's toll free customer service number is 1-888-221-7070. For more information, go to: pacificpower.net/billassistance.