PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland General Electric (PGE) is once again requesting another rate increase — 10.9% — for all customers in 2025. PGE had initially asked the state's utility commission for a 7.4% increase in March of this year but revised the number in July.
PGE filed its most recent request on July 15. If approved, it would be the third year in a row PGE has increased its rates.
Consumer advocacy group Oregon Citizens' Utility Board (CUB) fired back on the proposal, saying that PGE has disconnected "more customers than ever recorded" in April and May 2024 due to widespread inability to keep up with the cost of electricity bills.
"Oregon families are already struggling to afford their energy bills," said Bob Jenks, the executive director of CUB, in a statement. "We need our utilities to control their spending. No one should have to choose between electricity and food, medicine, or other necessities. But this is what PGE is effectively asking too many people to do with seemingly unending requests for double-digit bill increases."
PGE raised customer rates by 17% in January 2024, and between 7% and 20% for residential customers in 2023. CUB asked the Oregon Public Utility Commission to reject PGE's initial filing in the spring but was rejected.
In a statement to KGW, PGE spokeswoman Sarah Hamaker acknowledged that any potential rate increase is not welcome news to customers.
"We recognize that rate increases are challenging for our customers," she said. "As we modernize and strengthen the grid, PGE is focused on keeping the cost of electricity as affordable as possible."
Hamaker pointed to discount programs the utility has for low-income customers tools to help rate payers manage their energy use.
Hamaker also noted that the proposal is part of a months-long process.
"No number is final," Hamaker said. "PGE continues to be actively engaged in this process with all stakeholders."
Customers can comment on PGE’s proposal on the PUC website by selecting docket UE 435 or by emailing PUC.PublicComments@puc.oregon.gov and including UE 435 in the subject line, according to CUB.
Pacific Power rate hike
Pacific Power has also requested a 11.9% rate increase.
According to an email notification to customers, Pacific Power filed its request on July 26, saying that the hike is due to increasing insurance costs, as well as the need to upgrade its current team and management amid extreme weather and wildfire activity.
'ON THE EDGE OF AN ENERGY CRISIS': Forecasting the future of electricity in the Pacific Northwest
According to Pacific Power, "the average residential customer using 950 kilowatt-hours per month would see a $21.49 increase on their monthly power bill."
"This is a significant reduction relative to the original rate request of 17.9% filed in February," the power company added.
