Oregon Regulators Reject PacifiCorp Request For Temporary Rate Increase

The Oregon Public Utility Commission has denied PacifiCorp’s request to raise rates on a temporary basis while regulators continue reviewing the company’s broader rate case.

PacifiCorp, which operates as Pacific Power in Oregon, is seeking an overall revenue increase of $170.7 million, or about 8.6 percent. That request is part of the company’s general rate case, a larger review process that will continue through the year.

As part of that filing, PacifiCorp asked regulators to approve an interim 2.8 percent rate increase beginning June 4, 2026. The utility said the temporary increase was needed because of financial pressure and concerns tied to its credit ratings. PacifiCorp also argued the interim change would help spread out future rate impacts for customers, reducing the size of possible increases in 2027 and shifting the timing of those changes from April to July.

The Commission declined to approve the request, finding that PacifiCorp had not shown enough need for an emergency increase before the full rate case is reviewed.

Interim rate increases are uncommon in Oregon and are generally reserved for situations where a utility can show it may not be able to continue providing safe and reliable service during the rate case process. Regulators said that threshold was not met.

The Commission also pointed to several steps PacifiCorp has already taken to strengthen its financial position. Those include a sale-leaseback arrangement involving the Boardman-to-Hemingway transmission project, changes to the company’s capital structure, and an expanded line of credit.

“We took this request seriously because the financial health of the utilities we regulate directly impacts safe and reliable service for customers,” PUC Chair Letha Tawney said. “Emergency rate increases require a very high bar, and PacifiCorp did not demonstrate need at this time. The Commission is willing to evaluate a renewed request, should circumstances change.”

PacifiCorp’s larger rate case will still move forward under the standard review timeline, which typically takes about 10 months. During that process, regulators and stakeholders will examine the company’s proposed revenue increase, including costs tied to capital investments, operations, and other expenses.

A final decision in the general rate case is expected in March 2027.

PacifiCorp serves about 600,000 customers in Oregon.