Utility Assistance Programs

We offer a variety of utility assistance programs designed to assist low-income households with paying utility bills or purchasing bulk fuels for heating assistance.

Benefit amounts are determined by total household income, size, and energy type and do not typically require a disconnection or situation where heating fuel is nearly exhausted in order to be received.

Households who have already received energy or water assistance for the program year but who are facing an energy emergency, such as service disconnection or heating fuel being nearly exhausted may also be able to receive additional assistance depending on funding availability and household eligibility.  If we are unable to help, referrals to other organizations might also be an option.

Assistance availability is subject to funding and may be seasonal.

In addition to seasonal assistance, MCCAC partners with many local utility vendors to offer year-round local assistance and discount programs.

Participating vendor partners with discount programs:

• City of Hood River

• City of The Dalles

• Northern Wasco County PUD

• The Dalles Disposal

• Hood River Disposal.

Participating vendor partners with local bill-pay assistance programs:

• Northern Wasco County PUD

• Wasco Electric Co-Op

• Northwest Natural Gas

• City of Cascade Locks

For more information on how to qualify for these programs, please call 541-298-5131, ext. 206 or email us at energy@mccac.com today.

Intake Questions Overview

Below are a few of the basic questions we will need to ask and some criteria regarding eligibility. Our team is here to help walk you through the application process.

• Eligibility Overview:

  • Must be located in Wasco, Sherman or Hood River Counties | WA Gorge Residents click HERE

  • Have you received assistance before? | This determines if you need a new application or an extension to previous assistance.

  • What type of heating or cooling do you have? We serve people that have natural gas, electricity, wood, propane, and heating oil systems.

  • How many people reside in the household? How many adults? How many children?

  • What is the source and amount of gross income for the household? Income earned by minors is not counted.

  • Is the household in a crisis situation?

What documents are usually required?

• Income verification for all household members except minors.

• Identification* and Social Security cards for all adult members, Social Security cards only for minors (if unavailable we can use a waiver).

• Utility/Vendor bill(s), statement, invoice or receipt (must be in the name of the applicant or any adult household member).

• Proof of SNAP enrollment for zero income adults (if applicable).

• *Many different forms of identification are allowed. Social Security numbers/citizenship are not required for certain programs and situations. Call us for more information or assistance obtaining needed documents.

UPDATES

At this time, we are not accepting applications for general heating assistance.

If you have a past due bill or disconnect notice, contact us through the phone numbers below.

For more information about assistance call:

The Dalles Office: 541-298-5131, Ext. 206

Hood River Office: 541-298-5131 Ext. 310

Weatherization Services

Mid-Columbia Community Action Council is no longer providing weatherization services.

Effective July 1, 2025, MCCAC will refer qualifying low-income community members from Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman counties who are seeking home weatherization services to NeighborImpact, a private not-for-profit organization based out of Redmond, Oregon.

NeighborImpact is an experienced home weatherization service provider and supports households to complete home improvements that result in more comfortable and durable homes along with lower energy bills.

Community members can also reach out to NeighborImpact directly on their website, at 541-316-2034 or homewx@neighborimpact.org.