PORTLAND, OR -- The Oregon Public Utility Commission wants to hear from Pacific Power customers about a proposed 18% rate increase. It would push the average residential power bill up by more than $30 a month. Households in multi-family units would see an average increase of over $18 a month. 

Pacific Power is asking for the large increase to cover power grid improvements, wind generation, customer service improvements and a proposed catastrophic fire fund. A similar fund was created in California. All utilities pay in and it compensates fire victims. Pacific Power is paying out nearly $400 million for the 2020 Labor Day wildfires.  

A virtual public hearing on the rate increase will be held Tuesday, starting at 6 p.m. Access the Zoom link and phone-in details at: https://bit.ly/44bnMi6.