SALEM, OR — Yesterday, Oregon’s House of Representatives passed House Bill 3546, also known as the POWER Act, with bipartisan support, marking a significant step toward lower energy costs for Oregonians. The legislation directs the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to establish a separate classification of service for high energy use facilities—primarily data centers. By making data centers pay for their own power infrastructure costs, this bill creates critical protections for Oregon families and small businesses from bearing the financial burden of rapidly expanding data center operations across the state.
“As energy demand increases, we must ensure Oregon families and small businesses aren’t burdened with excessive costs,” said Kyle Herrig, spokesperson for Unlocking America’s Future. “The POWER Act creates a fair cost structure that makes high energy users pay their proportional share of grid infrastructure and protects consumers while supporting Oregon’s continued growth. We urge lawmakers in the Senate to swiftly pass this bill and send it to Governor Tina Kotek’s desk.”
Key provisions of HB 3546 include:
- Directs the PUC to create a separate classification for high energy use facilities
- Mandates proportional assignment of costs for transmission, distribution, energy, and capacity
- Implements measures to mitigate potential risks to other electricity consumers
- Ensures contracts do not impede Oregon’s clean energy goals
Why Responsible Investing Matters for Oregon’s Economy:
- Lower Costs for Families: Responsible investments often prioritize long-term sustainability that reduces costs over time, from energy-efficient infrastructure to climate-resilient development.
- Increased Competitiveness: Many companies headquartered or operating in Oregon already incorporate responsible investing factors to remain competitive globally and attract investment capital.
- Job Creation: The transition to sustainable technologies creates new, high-paying jobs in renewable energy, water conservation, and other future-focused industries critical to Oregon’s growth.
- Risk Management: Considering environmental and social factors helps investors avoid costly risks, protecting retirement savings for public employees and state investments
More information about HB 3546 and its benefits can be found here. To speak with a business leader or UAF spokesperson about this legislation, please email us at press@unlockingamericasfuture.org.
