SETTLING IN
Utility Choice
Because consumers often have a choice of utility suppliers, taking the time to research rate comparisons may save dollars. The following list of suppliers includes only the major companies that serve the state. For specific providers within your community or area, contact your municipal clerk — or the county clerk for unincorporated areas.
Internet Information & Referral
Energy Guide
www.energyguide.com
Directory of providers as well as advice on lowering utility bills
Energy Price Shopping
www.energyshop.com
Comparative costs for both gas and electric utility suppliers
Long-Distance Telephone Rates
www.phoneratefinder.com
Unbiased overview of the residential long-distance telephone market
Oregon Public Utility Commission
www.puc.state.or.us
Management of public utilities in Oregon
United States Postal Service
Mover’s Guide
www.usps.com
MAJOR UTILITY PROVIDERS
Electricity
Portland General Electric (PGE)
503-228-6322
800-542-8818
www.portlandgeneral.com
Pacific Power
888-221-7070
Power Outage Hotline
877-LITESOUT
www.pacificpower.net
Natural Gas
Northwest Natural
800-422-4012
Conversion to Gas
800-927-6123
Call Before You Dig
800-332-2344 (Oregon)
800-424-5555 (Washington State)
https://www.nwnatural.com
Water and waste removal
The providers of water and sewer service as well as waste management vary with the community and the region. The following resources will be helpful to new residents in the city of Portland as well as those in Clark County and/or Vancouver, Washington. For other areas, contact the municipal or county government for details on providers.
City of Portland Water Bureau
Customer Service
503-823-7770
Emergency Line
503-823-4874
www.portlandonline.com/water
Waste Removal
Mid-Valley Garbage & Recycling Association
503-363-8890
www.mrtrashrecycles.com
Waste Management Northwest
Metropolitan Portland
800-592-9995
www.wmnorthwest.com
Recycling Information
Metro Recycling Program
503-797-1700
503-797-1804 TDD
www.metro-region.org
Telephone Service
Qwest
855-234-5724
www.qwest.com
Regional service provider for the majority of the metropolitan area
CenturyTel
800-366-8201
www.centurylink.com
Serving the Yacolt area
Verizon
800-256-4646
www.verizon.com
Serving the communities of Yacolt, Camas, Washougal, and Woodland
TDS Telecom
866-571-6662
www.tdstelecom.com
Serving the communities of Amboy, Yale, Cougar, and La Center
Cable Television
ComCast
800-685-move
www.comcast.com
Cascade Cable TV
503-630-3545
Serving Estacada
Regional Resources
Local Area “Tool Libraries”
Tool libraries are just like traditional libraries, but with tools instead of books. They are great for people who can’t/don’t want to buy/rent tools they are only going to use once in a while. They usually require some form of free membership which before being allowed to borrow residents must fill out and sign an application and waiver and present acceptable proof of identify and residency. For more detailed information please contact the individual group by accessing their website below.
Northeast Portland Tool Library
www.neptl.org
North Portland Tool Library
www.northportlandtoollibrary.org
Southeast Portland Tool Library
http://www.septl.org/
Social Security Administration
800-772-1213
www.ssa.gov
Provides many services from setting up direct deposit to check or benefit information.
Regional Newspapers
The Oregonian
Portland-Vancouver Area
503-221-8327
www.oregonlive.com/oregonian
Portland Business Journal
Portland, OR
503-274-8733
www.bizjournals.com/portland/about-us/contact
