Idaho Power Customers Can Weigh in on Rate Increase
Posted on March 7, 2024 by Abbey Parnall
Tags, Energy, General Interest
This spring, Idaho Power is asking regulators to approve a new bill increase for Oregon customers. At 27%, this staggering increase request is the first in over a decade
Idaho Power customers and community advocates will have a chance to weigh in on this rate case at two public hearings, one virtually on March 14th at 6 pm MT/7 pm PT via Zoom and in person on March 20th at 6 pm MT/7 pm PT in Ontario. Regulators will make a final decision in October. New billing rates will go into effect on October 15, 2024.
What Customers Could Expect in 2024 Bills
Customers in Eastern Oregon could see an increase of $30 per month for average households. The proposed 27% bill increase will have an even bigger impact during months when heating or air conditioning is turned on.
Idaho Power Customers Can Weigh in on Rate Increase on March 14th and 20th
Public Hearings
March 14 - Public Hearing, 6 pm MT/7 pm PT - via Zoom
March 20 - Public Hearing, 6 pm MT/7 pm PT - in Ontario
March 14th, 2024
Zoom information and call-in options for the public hearing on March 14th are available here. Spanish interpretation is available free of charge. Any additional accommodations must be requested by the Public Utility Commission 48 hours in advance (see link for instructions on requesting accommodations).
March 20th, 2024
Information for the in-person public hearing on March 20th is available here. Public comments at this meeting will be recorded and transcribed. Spanish interpretation is available free of charge.
Idaho Power customers and advocates representing organizations are welcome to share comments at this hearing. (Any organization that has filed as an intervenor in this case should not provide comments at this hearing.)
What to Expect at the Public Hearing
This public hearing is hosted by the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC). The event will begin with brief presentations from PUC staff to explain the rate case process. Anyone interested in making comments will be allowed to speak after these presentations. The comment period will be open until at least 7:00 pm. That period will be extended if more time is needed for everyone interested in commenting. For more information on what to expect at this public hearing, see CUB’s full explainer.
Those interested in speaking can use this Testimony Guide to plan out comments.
Can’t make it to the hearing?
You can also use this form or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to submit comments directly. Make sure to include “Comments on UE 426” in the subject!
Phone comments are accepted at 503-378-6600. Submit comments by April 14th for the biggest impact.
What is Included in This Rate Increase
Overall, Idaho Power is requesting $10.7 million more from all Oregon customers each year. They are asking residential customers to cover $4.9 million of the total increase. Since this is the first rate increase request since 2011, the investments have added up.
Wildfire Management
Utilities in Oregon are required by state law to have wildfire mitigation plans. Idaho Power’s costs in managing wildfire risk have gone up significantly. Vegetation management (tree trimming, etc.) alone has increased to $25 million per year.
Growing the Energy System
Idaho Power’s system has grown by more than 100,000 customers. This means it has needed to procure more energy to meet customers’ needs. The utility has also worked to improve infrastructure for better reliability, such as investing in battery projects. Most of that growth comes from Idaho. Only 500 new customers have been added in Oregon.
General Inflation
Overall costs have gone up significantly, making the cost of providing energy more expensive. For example, the price of the steel that goes into much of the infrastructure has gone up 203% since 2020 alone.
More Profits
Idaho Power is asking to drastically increase profit margins from 9.9% to 10.4%. In comparison, Oregon’s other for-profit utilities are currently allowed 9.4-9.5% returns. This would make Idaho Power the highest-profiting utility in Oregon.
Stay Up to Date on Oregon Utility Issues
CUB will continue to advocate for people in Oregon on major utility issues. Sign up for the CUB email list for the latest updates, action alerts, and news on policies that affect the utilities your home relies on.
To keep up with CUB, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
08/22/24 | 0 Comments | Idaho Power Customers Can Weigh in on Rate Increase