Earlier this year, the Oregon State Legislature passed the POWER Act (HB 3546), a bipartisan measure requiring large-scale energy users—such as data centers —to cover their own energy costs.
Third Act Oregon (TAO) members joined the Citizens’ Utility Board (CUB), Mobilizing Climate Action Today (MCAT), and other advocates to champion this bill.
The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) has issued a “landmark decision” regarding how Portland General Electric (PGE) and Oregon’s other investor-owned utilities must charge these massive energy users.
Key Highlights of the OPUC Ruling
The Commission approved a massive, 29% increase for data centers as it implements the Power Act. Residential customers would see a 1.3% rate decrease. Most businesses would enjoy lower rates, too, though all the proposed rate cuts are below 4%. These new rates, which take effect June 10 represent a major overhaul of how PGE charges data centers for power.
Why This Matters for Our Community
Electricity rates in Oregon have soared in recent years, with PGE residential rates rising 61% between 2019 and 2025. Last year alone, nearly 58,000 residents faced power disconnections, the highest number on record. Much of this pressure has been driven by the “surging appetite” for energy from data centers, which were previously allowed to shift their massive infrastructure costs onto the bills of regular families.
This ruling is expected to soon apply to PacifiCorp as well, Oregon’s other major investor-owned utility. By forcing these industrial giants to pay their own way, we are protecting vulnerable Oregonians from unfair rate hikes while advancing our state’s climate goals.
Latest POWER Act News (as of June 10)
“Portland General Electric’s plan to increase rates this week for large-load users like data centers has been delayed for at least one month.
“The Oregon Public Utility Commission, which regulates and approves rates for major electric and gas utilities in the state, said … it needs more time to go over a nearly 200-page file submitted by PGE to ensure its proposed rates are accurate and consistent.” [from OPB, June 10, 2026]