Basic Charge – Single-Phase and Three-Phase
This fixed monthly charge covers some of the set costs associated with having electric service, costs the company incurs regardless of the amount of electricity used (i.e. cost of meters, meter reading, record-keeping, etc.). Some non-residential rates in Oregon also have a Load Size Charge built into the Basic Charge. In these cases, this charge also covers costs associated with the customer's demand (kW), such as the type and size of equipment needed at the site or on the transformer.
BPA Columbia River Benefits
The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) credit is applied to all kWh usage between 0-1000 each month on bills of qualifying Oregon and Washington customers as part of the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act.
City Utility Tax
This charge is collected on behalf of a city, generally pursuant to a city ordinance. All taxes are remitted to the city requiring the tax for its use.
Delivery Charge
This charge covers some of the costs related to poles, lines, transformers, etc. used to deliver electricity from its source to the customer’s home or business.
Demand charge (kW)
Demand charge is measured in kilowatts (kW). This is a measurement of capacity or the rate at which energy is used. Demand represents the greatest amount of energy used in 15-minute intervals during a billing cycle. High demand is usually associated with equipment start-up, which requires higher energy use than routine operations.
Energy charge (kWh)
Electricity is measured in watts, like gasoline is measured in gallons. A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is 1,000 watts used steadily for one hour – a measurement of the rate of electrical energy used multiplied by the length of time it is used. The average Pacific Power customer uses approximately 948 kWh per month or 11,376 kWh per year.
Supply Energy Charge (Block 1, Block 2)
This charge covers some of the costs of supplying electricity. Customers are charged for the number of kilowatt-hours (kWh) used. The Company uses a two-tiered, or “Blocks,” pricing structure designed to encourage customers to save energy, which keeps energy bills low. Usage from 0-1,000 kWh is considered Block 1, and usage above 1000 kWh is considered Block 2. Block 1 is priced at a lower rate than Block 2.
Energy Conservation Charge
This state-mandated charge funds cost-effective energy conservation measures related to the Oregon Renewable Energy Act.
J C Boyle, Copco & Iron Gate Dam Removal
This state-mandated charge provides funding for the removal of the JC Boyle, Copco and Iron Gate dams as stipulated in the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement executed Feb. 18, 2010. The monies collected are currently in a trust held by the Oregon Public Utility Commission.
Low-Income Assistance
This state-mandated charge collects funds and forwards them to a state agency, which provides energy assistance to eligible low-income households.
Power Cost Adjustment Mechanism
This charge reflects the difference between the costs of power that were established in the Company’s annual transition adjustment mechanism (TAM) filing and the actual costs of generating power that were incurred during the previous year.
Power factor or reactive power (kvar)
Power factor (or reactive power), measured in kilovolt-amperes (kvar), results from equipment that draws more current from the electrical system than usual. Customers can reduce this charge by turning off unused motors and other equipment and by installing capacitors.
Public Purpose
A state-mandated charge that provides funds for energy efficiency services and programs, which are offered to customers to help them lower their energy usage.
Rate schedule
Identifies rate category for your service address. This determines the rate you are billed.
Time of Use rates
A rate system for customers designed to reflect the higher energy costs during the peak months of the year and hours of the day. See Time of Use rates.