January 10, 2024 10:10 a.m. 

The Oregon Public Utility Commission recently finalized the last of several rate-related filings submitted by PacifiCorp.

A PUC release said that will lead to an overall increase in customer rates effective now. The increase stems from an annual adjustment for power costs, which are markedly higher due to market volatility, as well as various Pacific Power rate filings, some that increased and others that decreased customer rates.

Overall, customer rates will increase with the exact bill impact differing based on customer type and energy usage:

*12.9 percent 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 percent average increase in revenues from small commercial/business customers

*16.7 percent increase in revenues from large commercial/industrial customers

The release said 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 electrical market. There was also an increase due to costs for wildfire risk mitigation actions taken by the company, among other small adjustments.

PUC Chair Megan Decker said, “The rate increase reflects the reality of high market power prices for utilities and important actions Pacific Power is taking to reduce wildfire risks on its system”. Decker said, “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”.

Pacific Powers serves approximately 618,000 customers in Oregon.