Pacific Power files rate case, aims for stable and affordable electricity costs
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) Pacific Power filed a general rate case with the Oregon Public Utility Commission today, May 5, 2026, proposing a plan to stabilize customer rates.
The proposal aims to keep rates stable throughout 2026, deliver lower rates in the first half of 2027 and defer a minimal residential rate increase until July 2027. If approved, interim rates would take effect on June 5, 2026.
The company's plan seeks to balance rising operational costs and necessary grid investments while maintaining rate stability for its customers.
Rick Link, senior vice president of regulation and planning for Pacific Power, stated that customer affordability is a primary concern. "Affordability is an ongoing concern for our customers," Link said. "Our job is to deliver safe, reliable power and keep costs as low as possible, while making the necessary investments needed for long-term reliability. We've worked hard to manage what we can and provide predictability for our customers."
The proposal acknowledges various cost pressures impacting the delivery of safe and reliable electric service. These include increased material costs for maintaining power lines, poles and other equipment, as well as rapidly rising insurance expenses for wildfire risk.
Pacific Power is also innovating to manage costs and deliver value through its participation in the Extended Day-Ahead Market (EDAM). The company previously helped pioneer the Western Energy Imbalance Market (WEIM), an energy market that provides access to the lowest-cost available power. The WEIM has delivered more than $297 million in customer benefits to Oregon customers.
Building on this foundation, the EDAM initiative is designed to further optimize the buying and selling of electricity on the open market. This is expected to create additional savings opportunities that will benefit customers.
To assist vulnerable customers, Pacific Power offers the Oregon Low-Income Discount Program. This program currently helps more than 70,000 customers across Oregon reduce their power bills by 20% to 80%, depending on their income. More information is available online at PacificPower.net/LID.
Customers can also access various bill support programs through local community action agencies. These programs include the Oregon Energy Fund, the Oregon Energy Assistance Program and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Additionally, Pacific Power provides several options for customers to budget for energy expenses. These include time of use and equal pay billing options. Energy use tracking is also available online and through the company's mobile app.
In partnership with Energy Trust of Oregon, Pacific Power customers can access information and rebates to improve energy efficiency. Customers seeking more information or assistance with options can call one-888-221-7070.
If the Oregon Public Utility Commission approves the proposal, the interim rates will take effect on June 5, 2026. These interim rates will remain in place while regulators conduct a full review of the general rate case.
