Climate change is creating a new reality in Oregon: hotter, drier summers spur frequent heat waves and bad air quality events from wildfires. All Oregonians deserve to stay cool and safe during the summer, but not everyone can access air conditioning or other cooling devices. We need to do better for our communities and advocate for long-term solutions to extreme summer weather. Will you help us improve our advocacy by sharing your extreme summer weather story?

It’s crucial that we talk about how these events impact our households and communities, especially communities most affected by climate change. Sharing your extreme summer weather story with CUB helps us better understand and advocate for your utility needs during extreme summer weather. Your stories will be shared in public communications and with decision-makers. We will only use your first name, city, and story in CUB materials to protect your privacy.

Take action by sharing your extreme summer weather story today!

This year, NW Natural is asking for a 7% increase in billing rates for its household gas customers. The gas utility filed this request with regulators just two months after receiving a rate increase on November 1, 2024. If approved, this would mean a $5.55/month increase for an average household across the year. Winter gas bills would have a larger impact, with new winter bills averaging at about $138 for single-family homes and $136 for multifamily homes. New rates could go into effect November 1, 2025.

Last year, regulators made it clear that if utilities cannot manage their costs, it will come out of their profits. We need our utility regulators to stay consistent with all utilities and reduce profits to help customers avoid skyrocketing energy bills. The company is asking for more money primarily for replacing aging equipment, seismic upgrades, rising costs from inflation, and increasing its allowable profits. This request to increase profits would cost customers millions of dollars each year.

Take action now and tell legislators NW Natural customers want lower bills, not higher profits!

Having your power shut off or being behind on your energy bills can be incredibly stressful. No one should have to choose between paying their electricity bill and food, medicine, or other necessities. Unfortunately, this is the reality for many families and households in Oregon.

Thankfully, regulators are working to address Oregon’s energy affordability crisis by considering new rules around how utilities handle past-due bills and disconnections. CUB is asking you to share your experience with past-due energy bills and having your power shut off with us.

Take action now by sharing your past-due bills story!

Pacific Power is opening the door to pass off more than $90 million to customers after being found liable for the Labor Day Fires. The utility has filed a request to utility regulators that could open up a pathway for customers to cover these costs. If approved, this could mean the very communities affected by the wildfires Pacific Power was found responsible for could be charged for the court damages.

We need regulators to step up and reject Pacific Power’s filing to hold the utility responsible for wildfire damages, not customers.