Oregon’s Fair Energy Act sparks debate over consumer protection and utility transparency

A proposed bill, the Fair Energy Act, is stirring debate in Oregon. It seeks to protect consumers from steep utility rate hikes while enhancing transparency from public utility companies.

House Bill 3179 would require the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) to assess the economic impact of any proposed rate increase that boosts a utility’s revenue by 2.5% or more. The PUC would need to consider factors such as unemployment rates, income levels, and the cost of living before it approves any increase.

In Tuesday’s second hearing on the bill, natural gas representatives asked lawmakers to reconsider how natural gas companies are addressed. Shaun Jillions, a lobbyist for Avista Utilities, said that natural gas providers’ rates are not growing like their electric counterparts are.

MORE: https://katu.com/news/politics/utility-rate-residents-oregon-portland-politics-salem-fair-energy-act-consumer-protection-transparency-watchdog-puc-rate-hike#
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Author: KATU News
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News post in at: February 27, 2025, 3:00 am.

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