My name is Crystal, and I’m a mom in Creswell, Oregon. For nearly three years, my home has been without electricity after a fire involving the utility equipment serving my property. Since then, I’ve been forced to run generators non-stop and purchase fuel every single day for multiple generators, which has taken an incredible toll financially. Relying on this as my only source of power is not sustainable, and it has drained my resources.

I filed a formal complaint with the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) because I’ve exhausted every other option. I’ve followed every rule, met every deadline, and provided every document they asked for. But now I’m facing a formal hearing against a major utility company, and I’m expected to represent myself alone. I applied for Oregon’s Intervenor Justice Funding, which is supposed to help low‑income and environmental‑justice households participate in PUC cases. My application was denied. I’ve contacted legal aid, private attorneys, and every referral I could find — no one is able to take my case.

One of the things I need to do is pay for an electrician to perform an investigation on my 70-year-old transformer to determine if it caused the fire that burned down my home. I also need to have an analysis done on my billing from the company because it appears they manipulated the numbers for the month in which the fire occurred. Funds will help me consult with an attorney, prepare for the hearing, review technical records, cover filing, document, and expert‑review costs, and have someone in my corner so I’m not standing alone against a utility company.

I’ve gone almost three years without electricity. During this time, my daughter has transitioned from middle school to high school, and it’s incredibly unfair to her. I’ve done everything I can on my own. I’m exhausted, but I’m not giving up — I just need help to get through this next step. If you can donate, share, or even just read my story, thank you. Your support means more than you know. — Crystal