Getting in Touch with NW Natural for Bill Pay Assistance

Paying your gas bill on time each month is an important responsibility. However, we all run into financial difficulties from time to time that can make paying bills stressful. If you are an NW Natural customer struggling to pay your bill, it’s important to know that assistance is available. NW Natural offers several convenient ways for customers to pay their gas bill as well as programs to help if you are facing financial hardship. Read on to learn more about utilizing NW Natural’s bill pay options and assistance programs.

Overview of NW Natural Bill Pay Options

NW Natural gives customers a number of ways to pay their monthly gas bill. Here is an overview of the payment methods available:

• Pay Online: The most convenient way to pay your NW Natural bill is through the online customer portal. You can make one-time payments or set up recurring payments from a bank account, debit card or credit card. Online payments can be made 24/7.

• Pay By Phone: Call NW Natural’s automated payment line at 1-888-910-4644 to make a payment using your checking account or credit card. This line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Pay By Mail You can mail your payment to the address printed on your NW Natural bill, Be sure to allow plenty of time for the payment to arrive before the due date

• Pay In Person: Take your bill payment to an authorized payment location. Options include banks, credit unions and other retail outlets in the NW Natural service area.

• Automatic Bank Draft: You can set up your payment to be taken out of your bank account every month. This makes sure that you pay your bill on time without having to remember to do something.

Having these options makes paying your NW Natural bill as quick and hassle-free as possible However, if you do not have the money to cover your most recent bill, it’s important to take action before the due date

What to Do if You Can’t Pay Your NW Natural Bill

If you can’t pay your NW Natural bill in full by the due date because of money problems, don’t worry. You have options to avoid service interruption. Here are some tips:

• Talk to NW Natural: Before your service can be turned off, you need to call NW Natural and explain what’s going on. If you call as soon as you realize you can’t pay, the billing department can take note of your account and work out a solution.

• Request an Extension: You may be able to request a payment extension to allow a few extra days to pay your bill in full. This can buy you some time to get the money together.

• Arrange a Payment Plan: If you need more time, NW Natural may be able to put you on a monthly payment plan to pay down your balance over an agreed timeframe. This allows you to pay what you can each month while avoiding disconnection.

• Apply for Energy Assistance: There are state and federal programs that provide financial assistance to qualifying low-income households struggling to pay utility bills. NW Natural can screen you for eligibility and help apply.

• Learn About Budget Billing: With NW Natural’s Equal Pay plan, your bill is evened out over the entire year to make monthly payments predictable. This can help avoid large, unmanageable bills.

The NW Natural customer service team is available to explain these options and help you choose the best solution. Reach out to them as soon as possible at 1-800-422-4012.

Contacting NW Natural for Bill Pay Help

If you are ever unsure of the details on your NW Natural bill, unable to make a payment on time or confused about assistance programs, it helps to speak directly with an NW Natural customer service agent.

Here are the best ways to reach the NW Natural billing department for bill pay help:

• By Phone: Call 1-800-422-4012. This is the main NW Natural customer service help line. Hours are 7am-6pm Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.

• By Email: Send an email to [email protected]. Provide details on your questions or issues for follow up during business hours.

• In Portland: Visit the NW Natural corporate office at 250 SW Taylor St. in downtown Portland. Note this location cannot accept payments.

• Contact Executive Team: For immediate or sensitive issues, you can contact the NW Natural executive team via email at [email protected]

• Through Website: The NW Natural website has an online contact form you can use to submit questions 24/7. Expect a response during business hours.

When you reach out to NW Natural by phone, be ready with your account number, address, and details of your situation. Having this information handy allows customer service to quickly access your account and provide focused help.

If there is a dispute or complaint about your bill, the NW Natural customer team will research the issue and work diligently to come to a fair resolution. You can request to speak to a supervisor if needed.

Programs Offered by NW Natural for Bill Payment Assistance

NW Natural understands that many households face financial hardships from time to time that make it difficult to cover essential utility bills. That is why they offer bill payment assistance programs tailored to the needs of qualifying customers, including:

Bill Discount Program

This program provides a 30-50% discount on monthly gas bills for low-income customers based on household size and income eligibility. You can apply at your local energy assistance agency.

Energy Assist Program

Program funds can pay a portion of past-due balances for low-income households. Eligibility is based on household size and income.

Energy Matchmaker Program

Donations collected from NW Natural customers fund this program to help cover heating bills for those in need. Grants are paid directly to energy assistance agencies.

Payment Arrangements

NW Natural will work with you individually to set up a payment plan that spreads catching up on past-due balances over time while paying current charges.

Budget Billing (Equal Pay)

Have your annual gas costs broken into even monthly payments to add predictability and stability to your household budgeting.

In addition, NW Natural partners with energy assistance agencies in Oregon and Washington to connect eligible customers with programs like Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for expanded support options.

What to Do If You Smell Natural Gas

While this article is focused on managing billing and payments for your NW Natural account, there is one important safety reminder to cover as well. If at any time you smell the distinctive rotten egg scent associated with natural gas, leave the area immediately and call 911 and the NW Natural emergency line at 1-800-882-3377. Never assume someone else will report the leak. NW Natural will dispatch a service technician immediately to inspect for leaks and resolve any safety issues. Calling quickly can prevent a dangerous situation.

Let NW Natural Know If You Are Struggling

Don’t let an unmanageable gas bill lead to service disconnection. NW Natural provides multiple options to help customers who are struggling financially pay what they can, when they can. Reach out right away by phone to explain your situation, learn about assistance programs you may qualify for and set up alternative payment arrangements. The NW Natural customer service agents are there to help customers through difficulties. Maintaining open communication is key. With the proper payment assistance plan in place, you can get back on track with your bill payment and keep your gas service active.