PORTLAND, Ore. — October 29, 2026 — Pacific Power has reached a settlement with Oregon Public Utility Commission staff and other parties that would limit the average net increase in residential electricity rates to about 0.3% by April 2027, compared with April 2026.
The proposed agreement comes as the utility seeks a 9% general rate increase scheduled to take effect in April 2027. However, a series of power-cost reductions and other rate adjustments would largely offset that increase, leaving residential customers with a projected net increase of just 0.3%, pending final approval by the Oregon Public Utility Commission.
Commercial and industrial customers would see an estimated net average decrease of approximately 6.5% over the same period.
Multiple rate adjustments offset proposed increase
Pacific Power’s projected residential rate changes include several adjustments taking effect between May 2026 and April 2027.
Those changes include a 2.8% decrease in power costs in May 2026, a 0.2% increase for vegetation management and wildfire mitigation in October 2026, and a 1% increase associated with energy assistance programs in October 2026 and January 2027.
Additional reductions are expected through a projected 3% decrease in January 2027 and a 4.2% decrease in April 2027 tied to earlier power-cost adjustment mechanisms.
The proposed 9% general rate increase, along with a 0.1% adjustment related to the transfer of Washington service-area costs, would bring the overall net change to an estimated 0.3% increase for residential customers.
If approved, the new general rate case rates would take effect April 5, 2027.
Utility cites infrastructure and wildfire costs
Pacific Power says the settlement reflects rising costs for utility equipment, including poles and wires, higher wildfire insurance expenses, and completed infrastructure projects.
“We know any increase is difficult, and affordability guides every decision we make,” said Rick Link, the company’s senior vice president of regulation and planning.
Link said the company worked to keep overall cost increases below inflation and below increases customers are experiencing for other essential expenses. He added that the settlement reflects the costs of providing safe, reliable electricity while supporting investments in the power grid.
The settlement remains subject to final approval by the Oregon Public Utility Commission.
Financial assistance available for customers
Pacific Power customers who need help paying their electricity bills may qualify for the company’s Level-Based Income-Qualified Discount program.
Depending on household income, eligible customers can receive discounts ranging from 20% to 80% on their bills.
Customers can find eligibility information and apply online at PacificPower.net/LID.
Additional assistance includes bill-support options, budget billing and energy-efficiency rebates.
For more information about the proposed rate changes and available programs, visit PacificPower.net/OregonRateProposal or call Pacific Power at 1-888-221-7070.
