The state of Oregon requires all utility companies in Oregon to off some sort of ‘net metering’ program. Every utility company does things slightly different so here you’ll find information on your specific utility company’s program.
EPUD
• Net Metering:
EPUD allows you to offset your energy use with credits for the extra solar energy you produce. These credits roll over monthly and allow you to offset your total usage including winter months.
• Rebates:
Federal Tax Credit
Rate Increase History
2024: 5% increase
2025 (proposed): 5% increase and warned of upcoming increases some estimate about 5-10% a year for the next 5 years.
What drives their rates up?
Inflation plays a major roll but the new $150 million IMERF project, which is expected to raise rates for customers.
EUGENE WATER AND ELECTRIC
• Net Metering:
EWEB offers net metering credits at the same retail rate as the electricity you buy. Excess energy is credited to your account your account that month and do not carry over but help offset other charges on your bill that month.
• Rebates:
EWEB provides a $2,500 solar rebate, but funds are limited and often run out by June or July, so early applications are key. *not every home qualifies for this incentive you must receive a TSRF of at least 85%. TSRF is a measure of how much sunlight a solar panel system can receive considering shading and the angle of the panels. We have a program that accurately estimates TSRF during our consultations.
Federal Tax Credit
Rate Increase History
2022: “increase of 50 cents per day”
2023: “increase of 50 cents per day”
2024: 8.5% electric increase and 8.3% in water
2025 (proposed): 11% electric increase—7% increase in February and an additional 4% in October.
What drives their rates up?
1. Bonneville Power Costs: EWEB purchases much of its electricity from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). Rate increases or errors in forecasting power needs can force EWEB to buy additional energy at higher market rates.
2. Leaburg Dam Decommissioning: The costly process of decommissioning the Leaburg Hydroelectric Project and restoring the McKenzie River to its natural flow has added significant expenses.
3. Aging Infrastructure: EWEB is investing in upgrades to its water and electric systems to ensure reliability, which requires major capital.
4. Inflation: Rising costs for goods, services, and labor have outpaced EWEB’s rate adjustments, increasing financial pressure.
EWEB’s focus on maintaining reliable services while managing these challenges drives rate increases.
SPRINGFIELD UTILITY BOARD
• Net Metering:
SUB allows customers to offset their bills with net metering credits at the retail rate. Unused credits carry over monthly but expire annually.
• Rebates:
Federal Tax Credit
Rate Increase History
2014-2023: 39%
What drives their rates up?
SUB is investing in grid modernization projects, which could result in higher rates over time to fund these improvements.
Lane Electric
Net Metering: Lane Electric offers net metering for members with solar or other renewable energy systems. Here’s how it works:
• Energy Credits: Any extra electricity your system produces is sent back to the grid, and you earn credits on your bill.
• Credit Rate: Credits are based on Lane Electric’s wholesale cost of power.
• Annual Reset: Unused credits reset at the end of the year
Blachly-Lane
Net Metering: Blachly-Lane allows you to offset your energy usage with the electricity you produce. If your system generates more than you consume, the excess is credited to your account at the utility’s avoided cost rate.
Rate Increase History
2023: A 1.75% overall rate increase across all rate classes. Additionally, a tiered energy rate was introduced:
• 0–2,000 kWh: $0.1048 per kWh
• Over 2,000 kWh: $0.1102 per kWh
2024: Effective April 1, 2024, the rate structure was adjusted as follows:
• Distribution Capacity Charge:
• Single-phase: $38.23 per meter
• Three-phase: $43.48 per meter
• Distribution Services Charge: $17.51 (applies only to the first meter at the same service location)
• kWh Usage Charge:
• 0–2,000 kWh: $0.1074 per kWh
• Over 2,000 kWh: $0.1130 per kWh
What drives their rates up?
Power Supply Costs: Fluctuations in wholesale electricity prices from suppliers like the Bonneville Power Administration impact BLEC’s expenses.
• Infrastructure Maintenance: Ongoing investments are necessary to maintain and upgrade the cooperative’s distribution network to ensure reliable service.
• Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to evolving safety and environmental regulations can lead to additional operational costs.
• Capital Improvements: Investments in new technologies and infrastructure enhancements are essential for meeting future energy demands and improving efficiency.
Pacific Power
Pacific Power
Net Metering: Pacific Power credits excess solar energy at the retail rate, allowing you to lower your monthly bill. Any unused credits roll over month to month but expire annually.
Rate Increase History
2022: 15% increase
2023: 21% increase
2024: 11% increase
2025 (proposed): 17.9% revised to 14.9%
What drives their rates up?
Pacific Power, a subsidiary of PacifiCorp, has faced significant legal challenges related to wildfire liabilities, impacting its financial standing and contributing to proposed rate increases for customers.
Wildfire-Related Lawsuits and Settlements:
2020 Labor Day Wildfires: Pacific Power was implicated in several lawsuits alleging that its equipment contributed to the ignition and spread of the devastating 2020 Labor Day wildfires in Oregon. In December 2023, the company agreed to a $299 million settlement with 463 plaintiffs affected by the Archie Creek Fire, one of the major fires during that period. Some say $299 million could increase to a billion.
Ongoing Litigation:
Beyond the Archie Creek settlement, Pacific Power faces additional lawsuits that could result in substantial financial liabilities. Estimates suggest potential liabilities up to $42.5 billion from various wildfire claims.
Impact on Rate Increases:
Insurance and Liability Costs: The financial strain from settlements and the rising cost of wildfire liability insurance have significantly increased operational expenses. For instance, liability costs escalated from $3 million in 2018 to over $122 million in 2023.
Regulatory Responses:
Liability Limitation Request Denied: In May 2024, the Oregon Public Utility Commission rejected Pacific Power’s request to limit its liability for non-economic and punitive damages in wildfire lawsuits, emphasizing the company’s responsibility in such events.
Conclusion:
Pacific Power’s involvement in wildfire-related lawsuits and the associated financial liabilities have played a significant role in the company’s operational costs. These challenges have led to proposed rate increases as the company seeks to manage its financial obligations while maintaining service reliability.
• AP News
• Financial Times
• The Wall Street Journal
The information provided regarding utility rates, programs, and policies is based on publicly available resources and is subject to change. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee the information is current or complete. Please verify with your utility company for the most up-to date details.