Portland General Electric (PGE) has asked the Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC) to begin a comprehensive review of the utility's costs of providing service and approve new customer prices to take effect in January 2011.
Based on current projections, PGE's general rate case request would result in an overall price increase of 7.4%. If approved by the OPUC without changes, a typical residential customer using 900 kWh of electricity will see a monthly bill increase of about $6.70.
PGE's request includes costs associated with completing the third phase of the utility's Biglow Canyon Wind Farm in Sherman County, Ore., re-licensing of hydropower facilities on the Clackamas River, increased health insurance premiums for employees and updated information technology systems.
OPUC staff and groups that intervene in ratemaking proceedings on behalf of industrial and residential customers and other interested parties expect to make recommendations to the commission regarding approval or modification of PGE's request, with a final order from the commission expected later this year to set PGE's prices for 2011.
SOURCE: Portland General Electric
