Electricity Rate Increase Sought
PacifiCorp has given notice that it has filed an application with the California Public Utilities Commission for a rate increase averaging 15.6% from its retail customers, with residential customers to carry the greatest burden of the increase. The proposed increases include the following:
| Customer Class | Proposed Increase |
|---|---|
| Residential | 20.94% |
| Small Commercial | 8.65% |
| Large Commercial | 8.60% to 8.66% |
| Irrigation | 18.84% |
The company has also requested authority to implement an energy cost adjustment to allow it to increase its rates when the company’s costs to purchase electrical power have increased, and also to reflect inflation, plant investment, operating cost increases, unforeseen events, and changes in the company’s financial structure.
PacifiCorp is based in Portland. Further information regarding its application can be obtained by writing to: PacifiCorp Data Request Response Center, 825 NE Multnomagh #800, Portland, OR, 97232.
Comments on the application can be directed to the California PUC at 770 L Street #1050, Sacramento, CA, 95814.
Because it is able to obtain some of its power from hydroelectric facilities, PacifiCorp’s electricity rates have over recent years often been lower than those imposed on California customers by power companies that have been entirely dependent on oil-fired plants for their sources of power.
After President Bush refused to intervene on behalf of consumers during the Enron rate scam a few years ago, electricity rates in southern California skyrocketed. Now, it appears our own rates may be catching up with them somewhat.