What About Utility Bills?
Many Clackamas County cities have declared a State of Emergency. Doing this helps make it easier for cities to receive federal aid and protect their residents. Depending on the city, this can also help residents not worry about utility bills being shut-off because of missed payments.
Here is what’s happening in Clackamas County:
» Canby
The City of Canby declared a State of Emergency on March 17th. The City’s website has helpful links for residents who may need assistance with access to technology for remote working, video updates, and menus for Canby restaurants open for take-out and delivery. To view this information, click here. Canby Utility offices are closed.
» Gladstone
Gladstone declared a State of Emergency on March 27th. According to the City’s statement, this declaration allows adjustments to utility billing and service procedures as necessary to address the emergency, including: suspending disconnection fees for non-payment, suspending water shut offs, suspending water charges for business that have closed, and offering payment plans for residents that have been impacted. Learn more about Gladstone’s response by clicking here.
» Happy Valley
The City of Happy Valley offices and the Happy Valley Library are currently closed. The City has compiled lists of resources for residents, businesses, and included ways to support local business on their COVID-19 page. They have also compiled a list of local utility companies and made it easy for residents to figure out what may be available. Click here for the list of utilities.
» Milwaukie
The City of Milwaukie has closed City Hall, Ledding Library, and the Johnson Creek Facility to the public. As of now, the Public Safety Building remains open. The City has compiled a list of resources for residents that you can click here to view. The Milwaukie Police Department is delivering prescriptions for residents who are over 60 years old. If you’re needing delivery, you can call (503) 786-7400.
» Molalla
Molalla declared a State of Emergency. Parks and libraries are currently closed. For more information from the City, please click here. Residents of Molalla have come together to create a Temporary COVID-19 Utility Assistance Program. You can learn more about this program by clicking here.
» Oregon City
The City of Oregon City has declared a State of Emergency. Most City buildings and the Library are closed, but many departments are offering assistance online or over the phone.
» Sandy
City offices are now closed, but there are a number of resources available to Sandy residents. The Meals on Wheels program is continuing operations. The Sandy Public Library and Hoodland Public Library are closed but the Sandy Public Library is offering limited curbside service. For a full list of what is going on in Sandy during this time, click here. If you are a Sandy resident and are experiencing a financial hardship and need additional time to pay your utility bills, please call (503) 668-7449 or send an email to utilitybilling@ci.sandy.or.us.
» West Linn
The City of West Linn declared a state of emergency on March 19th. With this, the city also temporarily suspended water and utility disconnects, suspended interest accruals on late utility bill payments, and suspended library fines. To see a full list of what West Linn is doing in response to COVID-19, click here. West Linn Police Department employees are providing a free prescription delivery service for West Linn residents who have a higher risk of illness due to COVID-19. Click here to visit their website for more information.
» Other Resources
If you are a Portland General Electric (PGE) customer, you can rest easy knowing that non-payment disconnections and late fees have been suspended. PGE customer service teams are working and are ready to help you. Click here to learn more about payment extensions, payment plans, and bill payment assistance for PGE customers.
If you are a Pacific Power customer, you can be assured that you’ll have power despite missing a payment during this public health emergency. Pacific Power has temporarily suspended disconnections for non-payment. Click here to see what other resources are available to Pacific Power customers, including payment arrangements and energy assistance.
If you are a Comcast/Xfinity customer, there are resources available. A statement from the company ensures customers that they understand being connected to information is vital at this time. There are a few options for low-income households and new customers to receive internet services. For more information, click here.
If you are a CenturyLink customer, you can be reassured knowing that on March 13th, CenturyLink took a pledge to waive late fees and to not terminate service (residential or small business) for the next 60 days due to financial circumstances related to COVID-19.
If you are a NW Natural customer, you can be rest easy knowing that you will not get charged a late fee or be disconnected if you can’t make a payment due to coronavirus. There are resources available to help you stay on-time with payments.