Oregon rate proposal
Pacific Power filed a general rate case and a Transition Adjustment Mechanism update with the Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC) in February 2024.
Pacific Power filed reply testimony in the general rate case with the OPUC on July 26, 2024. In its filing, the company proposes an overall 11.9% rate increase for customers, a significant reduction relative to the original rate request of 17.9% filed in February.
The company’s filing represents an overall reduction in its rate increase request from $322.3 million to $214.5 million.
The average rate increase for residential customers is 14.9%. The average residential customer using 950 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month would see a $21.49 increase on their monthly power bill.
We understand the impact that rate increases have on our customers and local communities and Pacific Power remains committed to actively managing our system in the face of rising costs to limit price exposure and reduce cost volatility for our customers.
Key factors driving the rate request include:
- Wildfire risk management, including rapidly growing wildfire insurance premiums, wildfire mitigation and vegetation management.
- Transmission infrastructure investments, which enable the integration of new renewable resources to serve growing customer needs.
- Continued investments in low-cost renewable energy resources.
- Cost of capital to finance utility operations and reflect current market conditions and risk.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to our customers and our communities and will continue seeking new ways to reduce impacts to customer bills, maintaining rates well below the national average.
Pacific Power offers the Oregon Low-Income Discount Program, which is helping over 43,000 of our most vulnerable customers across the state lower their monthly bills from 20% to 40%, depending on their income.
Pacific Power rates are lower than other large utilities in the West
Commodities have experienced price spikes in recent months, whereas Pacific Power prices have remained stable over time
We are actively managing our system to offset these costs and reduce impacts to our customers
Renewable energy
We're integrating low-cost renewable energy sources into our resource portfolio.
Generation & transmission
We're taking long-term actions to manage our generation and transmission network, which are helping to lessen the impact of these rising costs.
Innovative markets
We have led the region in customer cost-saving programs, including the Western Energy Imbalance Market. The WEIM allows utilities across the West to access the lowest-cost energy available. Since 2014, total WEIM benefits across the six-state service area have reached $819 million.
Some of our recent investments support community safety, reliability and wildfire mitigation
This proposal will be reviewed by the Oregon Public Utility Commission and, pending approval, the updated rates will go into effect January 1, 2025.
Ways to save energy and manage costs
You can help reduce your energy use and save money by participating in these programs.
Incentives and rebates
Get Wattsmart® rebates from Energy Trust of Oregon when you make energy-efficient upgrades to your home or business.
Get insights and save
Access your Home Energy Report to understand your energy usage and find ways to save.
Bill payment support
We offer bill assistance and payment plans to customers experiencing financial hardships.
Time of Use plan
Learn how strategic use of power throughout the day can lead to potential savings.
Electric vehicles
Help contribute to a healthier environment and save money on fuel costs when you make the switch to an electric vehicle.
Optimal Time Rewards
If you have a smart thermostat, join our Optimal Time Rewards program to earn incentives for using energy wisely during high demand periods.