April 27, 2024 11:00 a.m.
The Oregon Public Utilities Commission is seeking public comment on Pacific Power's proposed rate increases.
A virtual event will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday night to provide an opportunity to speak directly with commissioners about the proposal, according to a release from OPUC. Customers may also submit comments in writing or by telephone until June 14th.
Pacific Power, which provides electricity service to 627,000 customers in Oregon, requested a total revenue increase of $322.3 million, or approximately 17.9% across all customer types. If approved, single-family residential customers who use an average of 950 kilowatt hours per month would see their bills increase by $30.66. For multifamily residential customers who use an average of 650 kilowatt-hours per month, their bill will increase by $18.51.
According to the release, Pacific Power will invest in transmission infrastructure, increase wind power generation to meet customer loads, upgrade customer service systems, increase capital costs to reflect the latest market conditions and risks, and reduce wildfire and It said it had identified several reasons that would prompt the filing of a general fee case, including bushfires. Costs associated with vegetation management. The company also proposes adjusting insurance costs and funding a planned major fire fund.
The claims in the general rate case have been under review for nearly a year and will be thoroughly investigated by the PUC, Oregon Citizens Utilities Commission and others on behalf of electric customers. The public comment event is part of that investigation, which will conclude when commissioners decide on the request in December. Commissioners can approve or modify Pacific Powers' requests and will only approve rate hikes if the company fully justifies them. If the new interest rates are approved, they are scheduled to come into effect on January 1 next year.
Access the Zoom link and Tuesday call-in details: https://bit.ly/44bnMi6
Written comments can be sent via email to: puc.publiccomments@puc.oregon.gov
