The Oregon Legislature has passed House Bill 3792, a landmark piece of legislation strongly supported by Multnomah County, which is set to double annual funding for the Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP) from $20 million to $40 million. This bipartisan victory, achieved in the final week of the 2025 legislative session, aims to provide critical financial relief to low-income residents struggling with escalating energy bills, ensuring continued access to essential utility services.

The initiative originated from an urgent concern raised by Courtney Keating, Senior Program Specialist, to Silvia Tanner, Senior Energy Policy and Legal Analyst in the Multnomah County Office of Sustainability. Keating highlighted a critical funding gap: while energy utility rates in Multnomah County had surged by nearly 50% in recent years, state and federal energy assistance funds remained stagnant, with temporary COVID-19 relief having expired. This disparity left an increasing number of income-qualified households vulnerable to disconnections and difficult financial choices, as Keating noted, "This program is a lifeline for our clients. We know that households who fall behind on their energy bills are more likely to be evicted and forced to make tough choices about which bills to pay."

Recognizing the systemic nature of the problem, Tanner, in coordination with Diana Hall from DCHS’ Youth and Family Services Division, mobilized a coalition of advocacy groups, including the Citizen Utility Board (CUB) of Oregon, Verde, the NW Energy Coalition (NWEC), and the Community Action Partnership of Oregon (CAPO). This collaborative effort, consistent with Multnomah County's "100% Renewable Energy by 2050" resolution and its commitment to a just transition for environmental justice communities, quickly gained legislative traction. State Representative Tom Andersen (House District 19) introduced HB 3792, which proposed two key changes: increasing the fixed charge on utility bills funding OEAP from $20 million to $40 million annually, with provisions for the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to adjust fees for inflation, and raising the cap on large customer contributions to the fund from $500 to $1,000 per month.

The legislative journey was swift and intense. Tanner, supported by Tom Powers from the County's State and Regional Affairs Coordinator, prepared and delivered in-person testimony to the House Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection. Advocacy groups rallied individuals impacted by high energy rates to share their stories, while Powers worked behind the scenes to raise awareness. Despite initial delays in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, persistent advocacy from the coalition and a direct letter from Multnomah County officials to their delegation ensured the bill's progression.

The successful passage of HB 3792, now awaiting the Governor’s signature, is projected to increase available funding for Multnomah County residents by an estimated $5.4 million annually. This influx of funds is particularly crucial given proposed reductions in the Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). John Wasiutynski, Director of the County’s Office of Sustainability, emphasized the impact: "In the dead of winter, when a family is struggling to pay bills and may have their power shutoff, Multnomah County is able to offer life-saving assistance thanks to this funding."

Silvia Tanner reflected on the challenging path to success, noting that a similar bill with a smaller increase failed in 2023. She underscored the importance of continued advocacy: "Energy justice won’t happen on its own. We need to show up, work in coalition, and bring people with lived experience into the process and decision-making spaces, and keep fighting for a fair and equitable energy system."