SALEM, Ore. (Mar. 31, 2026) — The Oregon Public Utility Commission has approved a series of rate adjustments for residential customers of PacifiCorp, resulting in an increase to monthly electric bills beginning April 1, 2026.
The changes stem primarily from PacifiCorp’s annual power cost adjustment, which reconciles actual 2024 energy expenses with earlier forecasts. The adjustment was finalized through an agreement involving commission staff, the utility, and consumer advocacy groups.
For residential customers, the combined effect of the adjustments and several routine filings is expected to raise the typical monthly bill by approximately $5.64, or about 4.1%. Officials noted that actual increases will vary depending on individual energy usage.
The implementation of the new rates was delayed until April 1 under House Bill 3179 (FAIR Act), which prohibits residential utility rate increases during the winter heating season from Nov. 1 through March 31. The measure is intended to help shield customers from higher costs during periods of peak energy demand.
Regulators said the rate changes reflect a range of updated cost factors, including fuel expenses, purchased power, wholesale electricity market activity, and other operational costs from 2024. Additional accounting and tax-related updates also contributed, with some components slightly lowering rates and others pushing them higher.
The adjustment also accounts for the integration of two wind energy facilities, which are expected to reduce reliance on more expensive power sources over time. Funding updates for energy-efficiency programs administered by the Energy Trust of Oregon were also included in the final rate calculation.
“Our role is to ensure utility rates reflect the real costs of delivering power safely and reliably,” said Commission Chair Letha Tawney. “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.”
State officials encouraged customers to explore ways to manage their energy use and take advantage of efficiency programs aimed at reducing overall utility bills.
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