On December 18, 2018, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (Oregon Commission) issued its final order resolving Portland General Electric Company’s (PGE’s) most recent general rate case. The Oregon Commission resolved numerous issues related to PGE’s overall customer rates, and adopted several different stipulations that the rate case parties had reached on various topics, allowing PGE a rate increase of 1.8 percent, rather than the 4.8 percent PGE originally requested. Importantly, the Oregon Commission maintained the status quo for PGE’s modestly successful direct access program.
Washington UTC Approves PSE-Microsoft Renewable Direct Access Contract
On July 13, 2017, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (Washington Commission) approved a special contract between Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and Microsoft that was supported by a broad coalition of renewable energy advocates, independent power producers, environmentalists, ratepayer and low-income advocates, and the Commission Staff.
Oregon PUC Affirms PacifiCorp Power Costs
On December 20, 2016, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (Oregon Commission) approved PacifiCorp’s transition adjustment mechanism (TAM) filing, which sets its annual power costs and direct access stranded cost exit fees on customers that choose to purchase power from third party electricity service suppliers (ESS). The Oregon Commission essentially agreed with PacifiCorp on all major issues, rejecting recommendations by its Staff, industrial and residential customers, and an ESS.
Oregon Commission Approves PacifiCorp’s Direct Access and Power Cost Filing
On December 11, 2015, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (Oregon Commission) issued its final order approving PacifiCorp’s Oregon power costs and direct access program in their entirety. The order will result in a small rate increase and no changes to PacifiCorp’s direct access program, which has low participation levels.
New PacifiCorp Oregon Direct Access Tariff
On February 24, 2015, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (Oregon Commission) issued an order approving PacifiCorp’s five-year direct access opt-out tariff. All other parties to the case, including the Commission Staff, commercial and industrial customers, independent power producers, and energy marketers opposed PacifiCorp’s proposal and supported an alternative five-year opt-out tariff. The five-year opt-out tariff was intended to provide PacifiCorp’s Oregon direct access eligible customers with a realistic opportunity to purchase power from non-utility energy marketers. The order, however, will likely maintain the status quo with minimal participation in PacifiCorp’s direct access program.