News and Events

Most people across the Northwest have already turned on their furnaces this year. However, with high unemployment and a still-struggling economy, staying warm for many, will be a luxury over the 2009-2010 winter season.

Select (GAP) Gas Assistance Program from the dropdown menu "Make a donation to this fund"

United Way CEO Marc Levy and NW Natural's Jenna Cooper Gross were interviewed recently by KINK.fm

“Oregon and Washington families have been directly impacted by the recession and unemployment is at an all time high in our region,” said Stephen Feltz, NW Natural Controller & Treasurer. “We hope our GAP campaign will provide some relief for our customers struggling in these tough economic times.”

NW Natural’s Gas Assistance Program or GAP is an important initiative that helps low-income customers in Oregon and Southwest Washington keep the heat on. NW Natural shareholders cover all administrative fees so every single penny donated goes directly to the program.

“Last year, GAP provided just over $200,000 to help more than 1,600 NW Natural customers in need of assistance,” said Jenna Cooper-Gross, NW Natural spokesperson. “This year, we are hoping to exceed that number, so we’ve issued a challenge to our communities in the form of a matching campaign.”

Give a little; Give a lot

In an effort to really help those struggling customers, NW Natural has already contributed $50,000 this year, and will match up to $25,000 more for a total of $75,000. The donation comes out of the company’s Corporate Philanthropy Fund. NW Natural hopes its customers and the general public will support this program as this is a key initiative the season.

“So many in our communities have lost their jobs in the last year, so not being able to pay for a basic need is a reality,” said Carolee Lee, vice president marketing and communications, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette. “Funds donated to GAP stay in our area, and are distributed through community action agencies in Oregon and Southwest Washington. People can feel good about truly helping their neighbors in need.”

NW Natural GAP Warm Zone at Pioneer Courthouse Square

New this year, NW Natural has moved in to Portland’s living room and will be hosting its cozy, GAP Warm Zone. Downtown shoppers and Square visitors can stop by the Warm Zone, enjoy a warm fireplace and shelter from the Oregon weather while learning about the Gas Assistance Program. The campaign kicks off on Black Friday, November 27 and continues for the following weekends over the holiday season:

• Weekend of November 28-29
• Weekend of December 12-13
• Weekend of December 19-20

About NW Natural

NW Natural is headquartered in Portland, Ore., and serves about 655,000 residential and business customers in Oregon and Southwest Washington. It is the largest independent natural gas utility in the Pacific Northwest. For more information about NW Natural, please visit nwnatural.com.