Medford Public Comment Hearing a Great Success

On Tuesday, May 14, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC) hosted an Open House and Public Comment Hearing related to the 4.8% residential rate increase that Pacific Power is currently requesting. Between sixty and seventy Jackson County residents showed up at South Medford High School to share their experiences with the recent rate increases they, and their families, have already received from Pacific Power and their fears of what these newly requested rate increases might bring.

The Commissioners listened intently to each person as they expressed their concerns and assured the speakers that their comments, petitions, and letters would be preserved as part of the record in this rate case. We talked earlier this month about our concerns and the impact of the current proposal. The Commissioners noted that anyone who was unable to comment that night could still share their thoughts in writing with the Commission throughout the course of the rate case proceeding (more on that below).

Several presenters from the Jackson County Fuel Committee shared their experiences working with Pacific Power’s low-income customers. Other customers described their own struggles with Pacific Power - difficulties in paying ever-increasing bills and getting meters read, having to endure the stress of threatened shut-offs, problems finding money from any source – church, the state, non-profits, the Jackson County Fuel Committee etc. – when there was no money left after rent to pay their heating bills.

There were several especially striking stories. Linda Rosales held her two-week old baby as she shared her struggle to get her meter read and to pay her bills before her power was shut off. She also talked about the problems with reconnect fees. David Mayer talked about his family’s precarious financial situation and his concerns about his energy bills. A group of nurses talked about the effect of extreme cold has on their patient’s health, and their personal challenges paying high winter energy bills. Students talked of their already crushing debt load and their need for basic services such as light and heat. Retirees spoke of their fixed incomes and cold homes. All of the speakers described how their communities are still struggling with a still-sluggish economy.

CUB is just starting to analyze the Pacific Power rate case, but we are already aware that—if approved—this rate increase would result in Pacific Power obtaining four increases in just two years: two increases that flowed from the last rate case, and two increases that would flow from this rate case. Even more startling, this increase could put PacifiCorp’s customers bills (though not its rates) above those of Portland General Electric. It’s a dubious honor and one Pacific Power customers cannot afford. CUB always goes into rate cases with a skeptical eye and a sharp pencil. Tuesday’s testimony from dozens of customers ensures we’ll be even more vigilant.

If you are a customer of Pacific Power and want to tell the Commission about your experience with your electric bill, it’s not too late. Written comments can be submitted electronically, by telephone to the Consumer Services Division (1-800-522-2404), or sent in the mail to:

Public Utility Commission of Oregon
Attn: Docket UE 263
Administrative Hearings
P.O. Box 2148
Salem, OR 97308-2148

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