Public Shares Concern for Proposed PGE Bill Increase (2023)
Posted on May 11, 2023 by Charlie Krouse
Tags, Energy, General Interest
On May 5th, 2023, the Public Utility Commission held a public hearing on Portland General Electric’s (PGE) proposed 14% bill increase. Organizations and individuals across the state testified against the rate increase. Many customers testified against the rate increase stating record high living costs within PGE service areas.
Miss the public hearing but want to comment? Additional comments will be accepted from the public through May 31.
PGE Requests Largest Rate Increase in 20 Years
This year, PGE is asking regulators to approve a new bill increase for customers. At $338 million, this is the largest request in over 20 years.
The proposed bill increase will impact households differently depending on the type of housing and energy usage. For multifamily residents, it could be an average increase of $15.81 each month. For single-family residents, it could add $22.71 each month. New rates would go into effect January 1, 2024.
Opposition to the Rate Increase Comes Through in Testimony
Several key arguments were heard in opposition to the proposed rate increase with many customers already feeling the cost burden of increased utility fees. One customer spoke passionately about just how much she is already paying for her utilities and how this proposed increase would negatively impact her and her family.
“I live in a home built in 1914 and I already pay $350 a month for my electricity bill, which is up $100 from last year. When I asked PGE about it, they said they raised their prices a little bit. I barely use her electricity as it is and I can only imagine what my monthly bill will be when it is up 14%. I am already financially struggling, what PGE is doing is not sustainable for the average person.” - Lisa Norris, Portland
Many testimonies echoed Lisa’s sentiment, declaring that the cost of living in PGE’s service areas is already too high. Many stated that the increased cost burden would negatively impact customers.
Among the organizations in attendance, a representative from Self Enhancement Inc. spoke about how many Portlanders are already living paycheck to paycheck. He made clear that the added $15-$22 a month could disproportionately impact low-income families already trying to make ends meet.
Many who came to share their testimonies agreed. Now is not the time for a rate increase and PGE should be allowing customers to catch up financially after the last few years of economic hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Comments Accepted Through May 31, 2023
Customers of PGE have until May 31 to weigh in on the proposal through comments. Use this form or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (include “Comments on UE 416 in the subject!) to submit written comments. You can also provide comments over the phone by calling 503-378-6678 or mail comments to Oregon Public Utility Commission, Attn: AHD – UE 416, PO Box 1088, Salem, OR 97308-1088.
Submit Your Comments by May 31, 2023
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05/11/23 | 0 Comments | Public Shares Concern for Proposed PGE Bill Increase (2023)