Tell Regulators to Address Energy Affordability Issues in Oregon
Posted on November 4, 2024 by Cassie Allen
Tags, Energy, General Interest
Rate increases and the high cost of living are pushing Oregonians to choose between paying their energy bills and affording food, medicine, and housing. Many customers, especially low-income households, are behind on their bills. We need regulators to address the energy affordability crisis before winter bills hit.
Oregon is considering additional including debt forgiveness and expanded bill discounts for qualifying customers of for-profit utilities. Regulators are also seeking to expand programs that reduce energy usage to help low-income households permanently reduce energy bills.
Regulators need to hear directly from customers like you to understand the impact of past-due bills and disconnection. Submit comments today to ensure your voice is heard at this pivotal time!
Other Ways to Submit Comments
You can also email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (include “Comments on UM 2211” in the subject!) to submit comments directly. Phone comments are accepted at 503-378-6600. Submit comments by Wednesday, November 20 for the biggest impact.
Customers can also attend a virtual public hearing on this issue. At 9:30 am on Tuesday, November 26, the Oregon Public Utility Commission is hosting a virtual public meeting on one part of the Energy Affordability Act.
Instructions for joining and the call link can be found here. Community members who want to speak at the meeting are encouraged to email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) at least 24 hours before the meeting to request to speak!
Need help planning your comments? Check out this testimony guide!
Oregon Makes Strides in Address Energy Affordability Issues
Over the past few years, Oregon has made strides in helping families struggling to pay their utility bills. In 2021, Oregon passed the Energy Affordability Act (HB 2475) as a step toward protecting those with the fewest resources. This law allows regulators at the state level to consider income and equity in setting billing rates, rules, and programs for our for-profit utilities.
Phase 1 of implementing the Energy Affordability Act largely focused on creating monthly bill discount programs for income-qualifying households–providing immediate relief to those most in need. While taking 10% to 85% off a bill each month offers some relief to many Oregon families, these programs alone cannot holistically address the problem.
Beyond Utility Bill Discounts
Despite bill discount programs, Oregon is still facing an energy affordability crisis. Discounts only address future bills, not past due bills, and don’t tackle the overarching issue of energy bill affordability. Thousands of families owe increasing amounts of debt to their for-profit energy utilities.
We need changes before the winter heating season is in full swing. Regulators are working closely with advocates to create new rules and programs to more holistically support customers. This second phase of the Energy Affordability Act looks to create new ways of managing the crisis:
- Better understanding the crisis through additional utility data reporting
- Addressing the rise of past-due bills, including stronger disconnection protections
- Expanding programs to lower energy usage, not just energy bills
CUB will keep advocating for expanding customer protections and addressing the energy affordability crisis. You can take action by submitting your comments to regulators today!
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12/09/24 | 0 Comments | Tell Regulators to Address Energy Affordability Issues in Oregon