A Portland General Electric (PGE) rate increase effective Sunday, Jan. 1, was approved by the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC).
PGE’s expected costs to purchase electricity and natural gas has risen significantly. A typical residential customer using 780 kilowatt-hours a month can expect a monthly bill to increase from $114.54 to $122.60, about 7%. The impact will vary by household depending on energy usage.
“We recognize that increasing rates at a time of high inflation presents challenges,” said Megan Decker, PUC chair. “Unfortunately, fuel cost increases and supply chain delays caused by global events, combined with increasing volatility in regional energy markets, drive the price for utilities to produce and purchase electricity.”
PGE started a bill discount program offering monthly bill discounts from 15% to 25% for customers who have income restraints. The most vulnerable customers may be eligible for support from community action agencies, including the Oregon Energy Fund, Oregon Energy Assistance Program, COVID Energy Assistance Program, and Low-Income Home EnergyAssistance Program.
Also offered by PGE are various ways to budget for energy expenses, including time-of-use and equal pay options No-cost weatherization programs are available to qualifying customers through community action agencies in each county.
In partnership with Energy Trust of Oregon, PGE can provide information and rebates to help improve energy efficiency and reduce bills. For information, call 800-542-8818.