Portland, Oregon – Portland General Electric (PGE) has asked state regulators for a small rise in electricity rates. If approved, the rates would go up by an average of 2.2% for all customers starting in 2026.
The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) received the proposed change late last month. It would affect both residential and business consumers. PGE says that the rate hike is a strategic measure that will help the business pay for long-term infrastructure improvements without making customers pay more in the future.
The utility company said that the extra money would be used to improve and modernize its electrical grid. PGE claims that these changes are necessary to make the system more efficient and strong, especially when energy needs change and new technologies are added to the electrical infrastructure.
PGE is choosing what it calls a “measured” rise instead of putting off necessary investments and risking higher expenses later. The corporation intends to keep prices low for customers while making necessary repairs to its electricity network by gradually raising costs.
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Over the next few months, the Oregon Public Utility Commission will look over the request and discuss it. By March 2026, a final decision is expected. If the commission agrees to the request, the new tariffs would start in April of the same year.
PGE stressed that this method is part of a bigger plan to make sure that the quality of service and electricity supply is stable over time. The firm keeps putting money into infrastructure that fulfills today’s needs and sets the grid up for long-term success.
Customers will have to wait for now as the regulatory process moves forward. The planned increase will only go through if the public has a say and the commission reviews it.
 has asked state regulators for a small rise in electricity rates. If approved, the rates would go up by an average of 2.2% for all customers starting in 2026.){kind=link}