SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) began its process for staff and other stakeholders to review Portland General Electric’s (PGE) recent filing. During this time, the PUC will ensure all proposed changes are accurate and consistent with the Commission’s May 7, 2026, decision implementing the POWER Act for Portland General Electric customers. 

PGE submitted the filing on June 3 to comply with Commission Order No. 26-154. That order followed the Commission’s extensive investigation into the treatment of large-load customers and set out new rate structures for data centers under House Bill 3546 (2025), known as the POWER Act. That decision ensured that the fast-growing electricity needs of data centers do not increase utility bills for Oregon households and small businesses.

PGE’s recent filing, totaling nearly 200 pages of tariff updates, includes new data center-specific rates, revised provisions for data center customers, updated rules for new connections and system upgrades, and a new surcharge to support targeted energy programs. The filing also includes updated base rates and Commission-approved cost allocation methodology changes related to peak demand and energy growth. PGE estimates the proposed changes would affect about 963,000 customers. These changes are not expected to change PGE’s overall revenues.

“The Commission determined that additional time is needed for staff to carefully review the large volume of tariff updates to prevent errors and ensure customers are protected,” said PUC Chair Letha Tawney. “Since 2023, our focus has been on protecting Oregonians from the rising costs of rapid data center growth. Passage of the POWER Act in 2025 provided the Commission with new regulatory tools to address the challenge. Taking time for review now ensures these updated rates accurately reflect the Commission’s decision and accomplish the Legislature’s intent.”

The Commission expects a final decision on this filing at its July 7 public meeting following additional review by staff and stakeholders.

Today’s action is integral to a full and complete assessment of the proposed rate adjustments and changes to terms of service before they go into effect. A careful review for accuracy is essential to the PUC’s ongoing work to ensure large-load customers, including data centers, pay the full cost of service. 

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Docket No.: UM 2377

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) has denied PacifiCorp’s request for an interim rate increase while the Commission conducts a full review of the utility’s general rate case filing.

PacifiCorp is asking to raise overall customer revenues by $170.7 million, or 8.6 percent, in its general rate case. As part of that filing, PacifiCorp sought a temporary 2.8 percent increase starting June 4, 2026, saying it was needed to address financial pressure and concerns about its credit ratings. If approved, the interim increase would have reduced the size of possible rate changes in 2027 and shifted the timing of those changes from April to July 2027.

After reviewing PacifiCorp’s filing for interim rates, the Commission did not find justification to approve the interim rate request. The Commission noted that PacifiCorp has taken several steps to improve its financial position, including actions approved by the PUC. Those steps include a sale-leaseback arrangement for the Boardman-to-Hemingway transmission project, changes to company’s capital structure, and an expanded line of credit.

Interim rates are rarely approved in Oregon. They are reserved for situations in which a utility shows it is unable to continue providing safe and reliable service during a general rate case review process, which typically takes about 10 months.

“We took this request seriously because the financial health of the utilities we regulate directly impacts safe and reliable service for customers,” said PUC Chair Letha Tawney. “Emergency rate increases require a very high bar, and PacifiCorp did not demonstrate need at this time. The Commission is willing to evaluate a renewed request, should circumstances change.” 

The Commission will investigate the general rate revision request under the standard 10-month suspension. This allows the Commission and stakeholders to review PacifiCorp’s full request, including the proposed $170.7 million revenue increase for capital investments, operating costs, and other expenses. The review will continue through 2026, with a final decision expected in March 2027.

PacifiCorp serves about 600,000 customers in Oregon.

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