PORTLAND, Ore. — Pacific Power residential customers in Oregon will see a rate increase, approved by the Oregon Public Utility Commission. These rate increases are taking effect on April 1, 2026, in compliance with HB 3179, which requires that rate increases not take effect during winter months when bills are highest.
The adjustment reflects multiple items, including the 2024 Power Cost Adjustment Mechanism (PCAM), the Renewable Adjustment Clause (RAC) and a legislatively mandated update to the Low Income Bill Payment Assistance Fund. The PCAM is an annual update that aligns 2024 actual power costs which include fuel and power purchased on the wholesale market and other expenses, with the costs previously included in rates, so customers either receive a credit or pay the difference. The RAC allows the company to recover costs associated with building or acquiring renewable energy facilities consistent with state clean energy goals. The combined rate also includes increased support for the Energy Trust of Oregon’s energy-efficiency programs.
With the combined filings, the impact for the residential customer is an approximately 2.9% increase, or $4.29 per month for the typical residential customer. Customers in Albany, Oregon, can expect an average increase of about 4.1%, or $5.64, per month. The additional increase is related is to a street remodeling project approved by the city of Albany, which asked the company to bury power lines underground.
Key drivers for the changes include:
Pacific Power works hard to mitigate the impacts of cost increases on our customers. The company offers the Oregon Low Income Discount Program, which is helping over 70,000 of our most vulnerable customers across the state lower their power bills from 20% to 80%, depending on their income. More information is available at PacificPower.net/LID. Customers can also access a variety of bill support programs through local community action agencies, including the Oregon Energy Fund, Oregon Energy Assistance Program and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Pacific Power also offers a variety of ways to budget for energy expenses, including time of use and equal pay billing options, and energy use tracking offered online and through the company’s mobile app. In partnership with Energy Trust of Oregon, Pacific Power customers can access information and rebates to help improve their energy efficiency and lower their bills. Customers can call 1-888-221-7070 to discuss options.