PGE Customers Concerned About Rate Increases at Public Hearing
Posted on June 4, 2014 by Jordan Bailey
Tags, Consumers and Utility Customers, Utility Regulation
On Thursday, May 29th, 2014, the Oregon Public Utility Commission held a Public Comment Hearing for PGE’s current rate case, docketed as UE 283, at Jefferson High School in Portland. As has been previously reported on the CUB blog, CUB has raised several concerns over this case, including the expected monthly rate increase of $4.92, the timing of PGE’s filing, and the capital projects driving the increase, among other concerns. Approximately thirty PGE customers attended the hearing and spoke to the Commissioners about the challenges PGE rate increases were presenting in their lives. The crowd represented a diverse cross-section of customers, including small business owners, farm workers, college students, flight attendants nearing retirement, and more.
Among the issues most prevalently and urgently discussed was the impact that the increased rate would have on lower income customers. Several attendees raised the concern that those in dire financial situations are forced to choose between feeding their families and paying utility bills. This “heat or eat” dynamic guided many of the attendees to urge the Commission to not only deny this rate increase, but also to consider repealing PGE’s prior rate increase and to place a moratorium on shut-offs, which impose additional fees that many customers can ill afford.
Small business owners also voiced their concerns. One attendee noted that not only do small business owners have to manage the cost of increased utility bills, but that the increases also limit their customers’ ability to spend money at those businesses because they too have to divert funds to paying their own increased bills. While this attendee recognized that PGE’s shareholders have a right to a return on their investment, he stated that this interest must be balanced with the rights of customers.
The Public Comment Meeting was an opportunity for PGE customers to share their stories and for the Commissioners and CUB to hear about the effect that current rates are having across the state. CUB shares the concerns about the effect of rate increases on low income customers, and will continue to advocate strongly on all customers’ behalf as this PGE General Rate Case continues. CUB wants to ensure that any rates set by the Commission are fair, just and reasonable.
If you were not able to make it to the public meeting, but would like the Commission to hear your comments as well, you may submit them on the Commission’s website. Stay tuned to our blog to see how this case progresses!
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04/13/17 | 0 Comments | PGE Customers Concerned About Rate Increases at Public Hearing