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ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Introduction Intake, Operations & Policy Manual Program Year 2026 5 Introduction Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) administers two energy assistance programs; the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the ratepayer-funded Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP). Neither of these programs are entitlement programs. The Energy Assistance Intake, Operations & Policy Manual establishes operating policies and procedures that govern both programs. The purpose of this manual is to provide detailed information and instructions for the administration of LIHEAP and OEAP. Please note that this Intake, Operations & Policy Manual, is not a compilation of best practices or suggestions and the requirements contained within it are not optional. LIHEAP provides home energy assistance to low-income Oregonians, especially households with the lowest incomes and the highest home energy need in relation to income. The purpose of this program is to supplement home heating and cooling costs. LIHEAP is a fuel blind energy assistance program provided on a first come first served basis. The LIHEAP program includes bill payment assistance, heating or cooling equipment repair and replacement, and energy education. OEAP is a low-income electric bill payment assistance program funded by and for customers of Pacific Power and Portland General Electric. The purpose of this fund is to effectively reduce service disconnections to those customers. The statute requires that priority assistance be directed to customers who are in danger of having their electricity service disconnected. OHCS recognizes that flexibility is necessary to meet the unique needs of each community across our state. It is critical that energy assistance coordinators and staff balance the requirements of this manual with the innovation necessary to move low- income Oregonians toward energy independence. While the policies and procedures included in this manual are rules for determining eligibility, delivering benefits, and administering the programs, it is impossible to foresee and give examples for all situations; therefore, you are encouraged to use reason and apply good judgment in making decisions when rare and unusual situations are encountered. Decision-making based on the best information available, common sense, program knowledge, experience, and expertise in a particular situation is sometimes referred to as the Prudent Person Principle. Document the rationale used to make a decision along with any applicable Intake, Operations & Policy Manual references and policy interpretations.