Another PGE rate hike? Customers say it's 'inhumane'

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Once again, Portland General Electric wants to raise their rated by more than 7% on the heels of raising rates 17% at the beginning of this year.

But Bob Jenks, the executive director of the Oregon Citizens' Utility Board, told KOIN 6 News now is not the time to raise rates again and that PGE is out of touch.

"It used to be a pretty normal process for you to live with that for a few years," Jenks said. "PGE's just decided it wants to be in this cycle."

PGE said it's raising the rates to support investments in local battery energy storage systems, but the Citizens Utility Board said the utility is only interested in increasing profits.

"For PGE investors, the first quarter of the year was great. For PGE customers, the first quarter of the year was horrendous," Jenks said.

After the ice storm and cost of living increases, consumers say they simply cannot afford to pay even more for their power bills.

"This request cannot come at a worse time," said Nikita Daryanani, a climate and energy policy manager with the Coalition of Communities of Color. "The cost of rent, food, transportation and other living expenses are skyrocketing, while people are already struggling to make ends meet and pay their bills."

"It is inhumane that people have to choose whether they're going to freeze, overheat, or buy food for the month," said Karina Graham with the Willamette Valley Workers Benefit Council.

Vivian, also with the workers council, said, "Farm, seasonal and service worker families are forced to go without adequate food or needed medical care in order to keep their electricity on."

In a short statement to KOIN 6 News, PGE officials said they "will continue to be fully engaged in the rate review process administered by the Oregon Public Utility Commission."

An evidentiary hearing is scheduled for October 10 and oral arguments from the parties are set for November 14. The commission anticipates issuing a final order in this docket by December 20. Any new rates would take effect January 1, 2025.

KOIN 6 News will continue to follow this story.