PGE Pacific Power increase rates for customers Fox 12

PGE, Pacific Power increase rates for customers – Fox 12 Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV) – Energy costs are rising.

Both Portland General Electric and Pacific Power increased tariffs effective January 1.

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The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) says a typical Pacific Power residential customer can expect a 14.8% increase in monthly electric bills. For example, a bill of $91.89 will increase to more than $111.

Meanwhile, PGE customers can expect a 7% increase.

The impact will vary by household based on actual energy use.

“We recognize that rising interest rates pose challenges for many customers at a time when Oregonians are already grappling with high inflation,” said Megan Decker, Chair of PUC. “Unfortunately, rising fuel costs and supply chain delays caused by global events, combined with increasing volatility in regional electricity markets, are driving up the prices of electricity generation and purchases. While utilities cannot avoid all of the impact of these higher prices in the short term, residential customers may have options to mitigate the impact on the bottom line.”

Officials say the approved annual adjustments for 2023 include both rising energy costs and wildfire prevention costs.