Pacific Power has significantly scaled back its proposed rate hike for Oregon customers next year, following substantial customer feedback regarding the earlier proposal’s impact on households and businesses throughout the state.

On Friday, Pacific Power submitted revised testimony in the Oregon General Rate Case, proposing an overall rate increase of 11.9%, down from the initial 17.9% increase requested in February. According to a statement on Pacific Power’s webiste, this adjustment reduces the proposed rate hike from $322.3 million to $214.5 million.

For residential customers, the revised average rate increase is 14.9%, a decrease from the previously proposed 21.6%. A typical residential customer using 950 kilowatt-hours per month would see their monthly electricity bill increase by $21.49.

One notable change in the revised filing is the removal of the Catastrophic Fire Fund from the proposal, allowing for further development of the fund’s structure.

To address concerns about affordability, Pacific Power has also reduced the return on equity from 10.3% to 9.65%.

“Pacific Power is committed to managing our system effectively amidst rising costs due to wildfire risks, extreme weather events, and an evolving energy landscape,” the utility stated. “We continue to invest in ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective electricity for our customers, both now and in the future.”

The company highlighted its commitment to customers and communities, noting ongoing efforts to minimize the impact on bills. Pacific Power provides the Oregon Low Income Discount Program, which helps over 43,000 vulnerable customers across the state reduce their bills by 20% to 40%, based on their income.

In addition, a webpage on the rate increase request asserts that Pacific Power has the lowest rate per kilowatt-hour compared to several large West Coast electric utilities, according to 2022 filings.