![]() Pacific Power files an annual transition adjustment mechanism to update customer rates to reflect the company’s actual costs to produce and purchase electricity. Customers can call 1-88 to discuss options.īelow is a breakdown of the separate PUC decisions that led to the increase in overall customer rates. In partnership with Energy Trust of Oregon, Pacific Power customers can also tap into information and rebates to help improve their energy efficiency and lower their bills. Pacific Power’s most vulnerable customers can also access a variety of bill support programs through local community action agencies, including the Oregon Energy Fund, Oregon Energy Assistance Program, COVID Energy Assistance Program and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.Īdditionally, Pacific Power offers a variety of ways to budget for energy expenses, including time-of-use and equal pay billing options. Pacific Power recently launched the Oregon Low-Income Discount Program (see bit.ly/3vxshTR), which provides on-bill rate discounts ranging from 20% to 40% to support customers experiencing income restraints. “Although the utilities cannot avoid all of the impacts of these higher prices in the short term, there may be options available for residential customers to help reduce the bottom line impact.” “Unfortunately, fuel cost increases and supply chain delays caused by global events, combined with increasing volatility in regional electricity markets, drive the price for utilities to produce and purchase electricity. “We recognize that increasing rates at a time when Oregonians are already dealing with high inflation presents challenges for many customers,” PUC chair Megan Decker said. ![]() Pacific Power cited global supply chain problems as one factor in reducing the supply and increasing the cost of electricity. Significant increases in Pacific Power’s expected cost to purchase and produce electricity in 2023 are a primary driver of the increase, based on forecasts for both the higher cost of fuel (natural gas and coal) to produce electricity and the higher cost to purchase electricity in the market. ![]() The impact varies depending on actual energy usage for residential, commercial and industrial customer types. A typical residential customer using 900 kilowatt hours per month can expect monthly bills to increase from $91.89 to $111.34, which is about a 15.1% increase. The decisions result in an average overall rate increase of 14.8% combined for all customer types. They stem from decisions in two proceedings: an annual adjustment for power costs, which are markedly higher due to market volatility and a general rate case filing for non-energy related costs, including costs to mitigate wildfire risk. The increases were announced prior to the new year. The Oregon Public Utility Commission recently finalized rate increases for Pacific Power customers, which became effective Jan.
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