Idaho Power has reached a settlement in the Oregon general rate case it filed in December 2023. If the settlement is approved by the Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC), Idaho Power customers in Oregon will experience an overall rate increase of $6.73 million, or 12.14%, effective October 15, 2024.

What are the customer impacts? 

An average Oregon residential customer will experience a monthly bill increase of about $19.36 if the settlement is approved. Impacts for all Oregon customer classes are shown in the table. Actual percentages will depend on a customer’s classification, their usage, and the rate they pay.

General Rate Case Settlement Percentage Change from Current Base Rates
Residential	Small General Service	Large General Service1	Large Power	Irrigation
16.45%	16.45%	7.90%	7.90%	16.45%

₁ Includes lighting schedules

Note: Idaho Power filed for rate decreases in its annual Oregon adjustments related to updating power supply expenses: the Annual Power Cost Update (APCU) and the Power Cost Adjustment Mechanism (PCAM). Those decreases, which take effect on June 1, will help to offset the impacts of the general rate case increase. Individual customer classes are impacted differently.

What is a general rate case? 

A general rate case is a proceeding used by the OPUC to review the costs of operating and maintaining the utility system and how those costs should be allocated among customers.

Idaho Power is sensitive to the challenges faced by our customer and does not take lightly any request to increase rates. Programs are available to help qualifying residential customers in need of financial assistance. Visit idahopower.com/oregon-assistance or call 1-800-388-6040 for more information.

Why did Idaho Power file a general rate case? 

Idaho Power’s last general rate case was filed in 2011. Since then, we’ve made significant investments in the grid to serve our customers’ growing energy needs safely and reliably. Other factors, such as rising operations and maintenance costs, also play a role. The incremental grid investments (referred to as rate base) necessary to reliably serve our Oregon customers have grown by approximately 60% over what is reflected in current rates. Establishing new general rates will help ensure Idaho Power collects the level of revenue from customers necessary to cover our costs and allow for a reasonable return as we continue to provide safe, reliable electric service.

What has Idaho Power done to keep costs down? 

We know rate increases can be hard on customers and have worked diligently to keep expenses down without compromising the service you depend on. Since our last rate case in 2011, Idaho Power’s operating expenses have increased by just 1% annually, while our customer base has grown by 23%.

What is the proposed new bill discount program?

As part of this general rate case, Idaho Power has proposed implementing a new Bill Discount for Qualified Customers Program which, once approved, will consider customers’ household incomes and estimated energy burdens. Qualifying Oregon residential customers could receive a discount of up to 70% on their bill. The program is proposed to be effective October 15, 2024.

How can I learn more? 

Copies of the filing documents are available on the OPUC website, oregon.gov/puc. If you have additional questions, call 1-800-388-6040.