Pacific Power customers to see rate increase in January
By Joe Hathaway on Wednesday, January 10th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
SALEM — Pacific Power electricity customers will soon see higher bills.
The Oregon Public Utility Commission said Tuesday it recently finalized the last of several rate-related filings submitted by PacifiCorp (doing business as Pacific Power), leading to an overall increase in customer rates to be in full effect as of January 10.
According to a press release, the increase stems from an annual adjustment for power costs, which are markedly higher due to market volatility, as well as various additional Pacific Power rate filings, some that increased and others that decreased customer rates, the PUC said.
Pacific Power’s service area in Oregon includes most of Wallowa County and some of Union County.
Overall, customer rates will increase, with the exact bill impact differing based on customer type and energy usage. The impact for each customer type:
- 12.9% average increase in revenues from residential customers. For a single-family residence using the average 900 kWh a month, monthly bills will increase by $14.92.
- 12.1% average increase in revenues from small commercial/business customers
- 16.7% average increase in revenues from large commercial/industrial customers
Drivers for the increase include an annual adjustment for power supply costs, which is a pass-through cost of Pacific Power purchasing power to meet customer demand. Power costs have risen sharply and increased in volatility in the Western electricity market. There was also an increase due to costs for wildfire risk mitigation actions taken by the company, among other small adjustments.
“The rate increase reflects the reality of high market power prices for utilities and the important actions Pacific Power is taking to reduce wildfire risks on its system,” said Megan Decker, PUC Chair. “At the same time, we recognize how difficult it is for families and businesses to adjust to higher bills, and we encourage them to seek out help through energy efficiency programs that reduce usage and rate discount programs to address communities facing high energy burdens.”
