Salem, Oregon —Yesterday, the Oregon legislature made a decisive move forward on HB 3179, the FAIR Energy Act, a crucial bill that empowers the Public Utility Commission to better protect Oregon families and businesses from significant utility rate increases. This important legislation, which has successfully advanced out of Oregon’s Commerce and Consumer Protection committee, will require greater transparency from utility companies, provide stronger consumer protections, and enhance economic stability across the state.
“At a time when Americans are paying more and more in electricity bills, Oregon is leading the way with common sense protections for families and businesses,” said Kyle Herrig, spokesperson for Unlocking America’s Future. “With this bill having successfully cleared committee, Oregon is one step closer to implementing crucial consumer protections that will lower costs for families, increase transparency from utility companies, and strengthen the state’s economic resilience. This is a win for Oregon’s economy and its people—and we urge lawmakers in both chambers to swiftly send this bill to Governor Tina Kotek’s desk.”
The FAIR Energy Act (HB 3179) offers significant economic benefits to Oregonians by:
- Requiring the Public Utility Commission to consider the economic impact of rate increases that exceed 2.5 percent
- Empowering the Commission to adjust or phase in rate increases that would negatively affect customers’ ability to maintain adequate utility services
- Authorizing the Commission to intervene when rate increases could materially harm the state’s economy
- Requiring utilities to provide clear visual representations of cost categories in customer bills
- Mandating quarterly reports from utilities on any anticipated rate adjustments in the coming year
With energy costs soaring nationwide, this legislation shields Oregon families and businesses from unfair rate hikes. Unlocking America’s Future calls on the legislature to pass this essential bill and send it to Governor Kotek, establishing Oregon as a leader in consumer protection against excessive utility costs.
