TUALATIN, Ore. — Pacific Power and Oregon HEAT are launching their annual statewide program to help low-income seniors, disabled individuals and working poor families obtain the energy they need this winter. Pacific Power customers are urged to look for donation envelopes included with their November electricity bills.

"This partnership has helped thousands of Oregon residents receive assistance with their power costs at a time when they have needed it most," said Becky Eberle, Pacific Power program manager. "Our customers have always been very generous with their donations, and Pacific Power gives directly to the program beyond the funds contributed by customers."

Oregon HEAT is an independent nonprofit organization that raises funds to help low-income Oregonians stay warm in the winter. Donations from Pacific Power and its customers are used in the communities where they are received.

"The number of Oregonians living in poverty has spiked in just the last four years – and is still growing," said Roger Rees, Oregon HEAT executive director. "With more people at risk in Oregon, our work to assist those in need of heat or lights is even more critical. We need everyone’s help through donations if we’re going to make a positive difference in the lives of our neighbors."

In the 12-month period ending June 30, 2006, Oregon HEAT helped pay energy bills in 5,749 households served by Pacific Power. Together, customers and the utility raised more than $287,000 to make serving more households possible.

"Pacific Power customer and corporate donations enable Oregon HEAT to help so many more residents in need of energy assistance," said Rees. "They played a huge role in our serving a record number of 13,000 households last year. The need for heating assistance has swelled to 413,000 households in Oregon and we are asking again for the support of Pacific Power customers."

Donations to Oregon HEAT can be made using donation envelopes included with November Pacific Power bills, by phone at 503-612-3790 or online at www.oregonheat.org. Credit cards can be used for both online and phone donations.

About Oregon HEAT
Oregon HEAT is an independent nonprofit organization founded in 1989 to help low-income Oregonians become more energy self-reliant. In partnership with community agencies throughout the state, Oregon HEAT provides energy assistance and advocates access to energy resources for low-income Oregonians. Oregon HEAT's primary program objective is to prevent disconnection of utility service by providing bill payment assistance to low-income households in emergency situations. To donate to, or learn more about, Oregon HEAT: visit   www.oregonheat.org , call 503-612-3790; or write to Oregon HEAT, P.O. Box 127, Tualatin, Ore. 97062.

About Pacific Power
Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, providing more than 1.6 million customers with reliable, efficient energy. The company works to meet its customers’ growing energy demand while protecting and enhancing the environment. Pacific Power serves approximately 694,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. Its sister company Rocky Mountain Power serves customers in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho.

Media inquiries: newsdesk@pacificorp.com