Outrage builds over PGE's "unaffordable" rate hike

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In recent days, frustration has mounted among Portland General Electric (PGE) customers as news of a proposed rate increase has spread. According to reports from the Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC) and analysis by the Oregon Citizen Utility Board (OCUB), if approved, this increase would mark a staggering 40% rise in rates since January 2022.

The announcement of a 7.4% increase slated for January of next year has sparked outrage among consumers already grappling with the financial strain of previous hikes. Many, like 83-year-old Portland resident Jan Newton, are struggling to comprehend how they will cope with yet another increase. Newton lamented, "It is simply unconscionable for seniors to freeze in their own homes while PGE continues to raise their rates."

Social media has become a platform for customers to voice their discontent, with many expressing their frustration over the timing of the proposed increase. Coming on the heels of a 17% hike in January, which coincided with a crippling ice storm in the Willamette Valley, the prospect of further financial strain has left many feeling overwhelmed.

Bob Jenks, the executive director of OCUB, has vowed to push back against the increase, citing the burden it places on consumers, many of whom are already struggling to pay their bills. He highlights the discrepancy between PGE's proposed increase and the actual approved hike, cautioning that additional costs often emerge during the OPUC evaluation process.

While PGE argues that the increase is necessary to fund investments in infrastructure and enhance reliability, critics like Jenks argue that the primary motive is to boost profits for shareholders. Part of the proposed hike includes raising PGE's profit margin, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from consumer advocates.

The comparison with other utilities further underscores the disparity in rates, with PGE's charges among the highest in Oregon. While PGE points to instances where rates from other utilities exceed their own, critics argue that such comparisons fail to address the fundamental issue of affordability for consumers.

The growing discontent has culminated in a petition urging state lawmakers to intervene and curb PGE's rate increases. For individuals like Chris Boone, who is grappling with a $300 bill for an 800 sq. ft. duplex while navigating job loss and transition, the prospect of further hikes is untenable. Boone's sentiments echo those of many consumers who feel let down by the regulatory authorities tasked with safeguarding their interests.

As the outcry against PGE's proposed rate hike continues to gain momentum, it remains to be seen how state officials will respond to the mounting pressure from consumers demanding relief from the burden of escalating utility costs.