Senator Ron Wyden Demands Transparency Over 40% Portland Electric Bill Hike

As inflation and rising housing costs continue to affect Oregonians, Portland General Electric (PGE) customers have seen a significant 40% increase in their electric bills since 2021. In response, Senator Ron Wyden has written a letter to PGE’s president and CEO, Maria Pope, demanding a breakdown of the factors behind this sharp increase and exploring potential solutions to mitigate future rate hikes.

Wyden expressed concern for residents struggling to balance basic needs like food and medicine with the rising electricity costs, stating that these increases are becoming unsustainable. He questioned whether federal funds and tax incentives are being used to help alleviate costs for PGE customers, and requested information on what factors, such as load growth, are driving the rate hikes.

The letter follows a period of rising tensions over PGE’s proposed rate increase, which is slated to take effect in January 2025. PGE initially requested a 7.4% rate hike in February, which was then raised to 10.9% in July.

Despite some reductions in the requested rate increase, the ongoing rate hikes have been met with opposition from local officials, including Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, who has urged the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) to reject the increases. In total, the rate hikes represent a 43% increase in electric rates since 2021, including an 18% hike earlier this year.

In response, PGE has assured that it is focused on keeping electricity costs as low as possible while working to modernize and strengthen the power grid.

The utility company has also emphasized its efforts to provide programs and incentives to help customers manage their energy costs, including a bill discount program for income-qualified individuals. PGE is expected to respond to Wyden’s letter within 30 days.