PacifiCorp Customers to See Rate Increase Starting April 1
Pacific Power customers to see monthly bills rise about $4–$6 depending on usage
6:51pm, 3/31/26, Article updated to include more information from PacifiCorp.
SALEM, Ore. — PacifiCorp customers across Oregon will see higher electricity bills beginning April 1 after rate adjustments approved by the Oregon Public Utility Commission take effect.
Pacific Power, which operates as PacifiCorp in Oregon, said the combined changes will increase the typical residential customer’s monthly bill by approximately 2.9%, or about $4.29 per month. Earlier regulatory filings indicate some customers may see increases closer to $5.64 per month, or about 4.1%, depending on usage and specific adjustments.
The rate changes were delayed until April 1 under House Bill 3179, known as the FAIR Act, which prohibits residential rate increases during the winter heating season from Nov. 1 through March 31.
Officials said the adjustment reflects multiple cost updates, including the annual Power Cost Adjustment Mechanism, renewable energy investments, and changes to assistance program funding. The adjustments account for updated fuel costs, wholesale power purchases, and other operational expenses from 2024.
Pacific Power also cited increased power demand during the January 2024 ice storm, higher fuel prices, coal supply challenges, conversion to natural gas at the Jim Bridger plant, and the removal of Klamath River hydroelectric facilities as contributing factors.
The combined rate also includes increased funding for Energy Trust of Oregon energy-efficiency programs and a legislatively mandated update to the Low Income Bill Payment Assistance Fund.
“Our role is to ensure utility rates reflect the real costs of delivering power safely and reliably,” said Oregon Public Utility Commission Chair Letha Tawney in earlier regulatory filings. “As fuel prices, wholesale market conditions, and renewable energy costs shift, we must update rates so they accurately reflect the cost of efficiently maintaining the service customers depend on every day.”
Pacific Power said assistance programs remain available for customers, including the Oregon Low Income Discount Program, which currently serves more than 70,000 customers statewide. Additional bill assistance and energy-efficiency rebates are also available through community action agencies and the Energy Trust of Oregon.
Pacific Power serves more than 650,000 customers in Oregon.
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