Oregon PUC to host event in Ontario for Public Comment on Idaho Power’s proposed sale to OTEC

By on Friday, August 21st, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories

ONTARIO – (Press release from the Oregon Public Utility Commission) The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) is hosting an event in Ontario, Oregon for the public to comment on Idaho Power’s proposed sale of its Oregon distribution system to Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC). The PUC will review the proposed sale to determine whether it serves customers’ interests, maintains reliable service, and meets all regulatory requirements.

Idaho Power and OTEC have filed an agreement with the PUC that would transfer Idaho Power’s Oregon service territory and distribution system to OTEC. If approved, Idaho Power’s 20,000 residential, irrigation, commercial, and industrial customers in Malheur, Harney, Baker, and Wallowa counties would become OTEC member-owners. OTEC currently serves Baker, Union, Grant, and Harney counties.

This proposed sale has a base purchase price of $154 million and is expected to close in early 2027. As part of the agreement, OTEC would purchase wholesale energy from Idaho Power through a multi-year power supply arrangement to serve customers in the affected Oregon counties.

If the sale is approved, Idaho Power would no longer serve Oregon electric customers directly but would continue to own and operate generation and transmission facilities in Oregon, including the Boardman to Hemingway (B2H) transmission line.

To support public participation, the PUC is offering several ways for community members to share their comments directly to Commissioners and the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) overseeing this case.

“Public comment is important in our decision-making process. Hearing directly from the community helps the Commission understand how proposed changes may affect people’s lives and helps ensure our decisions reflect the needs of the customers we serve,” said Letha Tawney, Chair, Oregon Public Utility Commission.

Ways to Comment

Members of the public may provide comments by attending an in-person meeting or by submitting comments through online form, email, phone, or mail.


Comment in person – Ontario City Hall in Ontario, Oregon
Monday, August 24, 2026, at 6 p.m. Mountain Time (5 p.m. Pacific Time)

Commissioners and an ALJ will hold an in-person only hearing in Ontario. To comment, please be at the hearing by 6:30 p.m. Mountain Time.

Location:  Ontario City Hall, Council Chambers, 444 SW 4th Street, Ontario, OR 97914

Other ways to comment 
Comments may also be submitted through any of the following methods:


Stay informed 
Individuals may request to be added to the distribution list to receive publicly available documents throughout this case. To be added, email puc.hearings@puc.oregon.gov or call 503-378-6678. Please reference Docket No. UM 2447 in your request.

Elkhorn Media Group