PGE Proposes 8.9 Percent Overall Rate Hike

PGE crew working during a power outage Photo By: Tim King

(PORTLAND - AP) - Oregon's largest utility has petitioned state regulators for an overall rate increase of eight-point-nine percent.

The utility is citing rising power costs and a new natural gas-fired power plant.

But the size of the proposed increase drew immediate questions from some consumers. It would be the first significant jump in five years.

But an executive director representing residential customers says the power costs seem big. Bob Jenks says they will clearly have to take a close look at it.

Under P-G-E's proposal, rates for residential customers would rise, on average, eight-and-a-half percent. Rates for small commercial customers, would go up to ten-point-five percent. And rates for large commercial and industrial businesses would increase eight-point-seven percent.

If approved, it would go into effect January first.