Community Care
The Eugene Water & Electric Board is taking action to help the community cope with the
ongoing economic crisis. As a citizen-owned utility, we feel a strong need and urgency to do what
we can to help.
EWEB has created Community Care, which is designed to assist those who are struggling to pay their utility bills due to job loss,
cutbacks in work hours and benefits, or other factors.
EWEB's elected Commissioners created a $6.1 million economic-assistance fund for 2009. Responding to a
continued need, Commissioners have repeatedly voted to extend the program each year. Most reccently, they voted
to again continue the program until funding is depleted or through September 30, 2012, whichever occurs first.
The money is coming from a combination of previous rate actions and cash reserves. Rather
than keep these funds in cash reserves, EWEB is returning it to our customers during a time
of community need.
These funds augment that already provides more than $2 million annually to help 4,000 low-income
households. These bill assistance programs already were among the most generous in the nation; the additional funding will enable
EWEB to help thousands more households this year.
If you are out of work or have been affected by the bad economy, we urge you to take advantage of the menu of programs EWEB is offering to assist customers
who may be struggling to pay their utility bills.
- Job Loss Program
EWEB will provide up to $200 in bill-payment assistance for jobless customers who are receiving unemployment compensation.
- Shelter Facility Assistance
Permanent homeless shelters within EWEB's service territory may apply for electric utility assistance payments.
- Veteran Transitional Housing Assistance
Permanent Veterans' transitional housing within EWEB's service territory may apply for electric
utility assistance payments.
- Crisis Program
EWEB is expanding its crisis assistance program. Crisis payments are generally limited to $500 per household and are administered by EWEB staff.
To apply for a Community Care program, complete the necessary application(s) and submit with any required documentation to:
- Email: Attach scanned documents and send to
- Fax: (541) 684-5811
- Mail or drop off: EWEB, 500 East Fourth Ave, Eugene, OR 97401
Please note which application(s) are included on the fax, email or mailing envelope.
Customers applying for the Crisis Program must deliver applications in person to EWEB's Headquarters with original documentation.
To learn more about EWEB's Community Care and existing low-income
assistance programs, call us at (541) 685-7000.
People from all parts of Lane County can now call one number to gain access
to emergency fund programs, local food banks, child care, training, and unemployment
opportunities after they've lost their jobs.
Simply dail 211 to connect for help.
Visit to learn more.