CEP Intervened

At Community Energy Project (CEP), we are committed to championing the needs of low-income and frontline communities. Recently, we took a significant step by intervening in Portland General Electric’s (PGE) rate case, advocating for deeper discounts for low-income customers through their bill discount program and shedding light on the unique challenges faced by those most affected.

PGE Tariff Filing 

In this rate case, PGE customers were set to experience a 17% rate increase, a change that would have a substantial impact on all customers, particularly those with lower incomes. CEP intervened with a focus on securing more substantial discounts for the low-income bill discount program.

As a result of our advocacy, PGE’s upgraded version of their bill discount program, launched on January 1, 2024, offering enhanced discounts across different income tiers. We encourage eligible customers to sign up and, for those already enrolled, to contact PGE after January 1 if they believe they may qualify for a deeper discount level.

Comparison of PGE’s Current and New Programs:

Low-Income Needs Assessment (LINA)

CEP’s efforts led PGE to commit to completing a LINA by mid-2024. A LINA is normally conducted by a third party and involves reviewing customer data and surveying a utility’s service area to understand the experiences and energy burdens of low-income customers. The results will inform changes to the bill discount program within 90 days of presentation, ensuring a more tailored approach to address the specific needs of low-income communities.

Other utility companies, such as Cascade Natural Gas and Avista Natural Gas, have already completed LINAs within their Oregon service territories, resulting in a 90% bill discount for their lowest income customers.

PGE plans to engage stakeholders during this process, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of community needs.

CEP’s Ongoing Commitment

As we move forward, CEP remains committed to staying involved in future rate cases. Anticipating rate increases from other utilities in the area, we will continue to advocate for the representation of low-income customers and frontline communities at the decision-making table.

Recognizing the barriers present in rate case processes, such as the need for legal representation and the complexity of procedures, we are actively working to break down these barriers. We will keep you informed about opportunities for community engagement and participation in these crucial conversations.

At CEP, we believe in the power of collective action. Your experiences and voices are essential, and we are dedicated to ensuring they are heard in discussions that impact our communities.