I'm sure many of you share the crushing burden and stress brought upon by the continuous rate hikes initiated by Portland General Electric (PGE) over the past few years. These changes, unfortunately, have been repeatedly authorized by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). This chronicle of regular increases has been debilitating, especially for households living on limited incomes. For instance, consider the federal poverty level for a single person, which is just $15,060, or the maximum annual income for SSI at only $11,321.49.

However, PGE's current income-based discount system frankly isn't cutting it. What does it offer? A 15% discount for those earning between $27,609 - $36,811, 20% for those earning $18,407 - $27,608, and so on, with the highest discount of 60% for those who earn $0 - $3,068. Theoretically, these tiered discounts should enable people of varying income levels to afford these services. However, in practice, these discounts are too minimal for the lower-income brackets to make any significant difference.

We need PGE to revise its current discount system accordingly and provide stronger transparency around these practices as this information is not currently easily accessible on their website. We also need PUC - Public Utility commission to commit to capping annual rate increases at 2%, ensuring price stability for all customers and alleviating the financial stress on lower-income households. Utilities are a basic human right and not a luxury service. It's time for our utilities to work for us, not against us. Sign this petition to demand fair and affordable rates from Oregon's Public Utility Commission. 

Portland General Electric - PGE: 503-228-6322

Federal poverty level for a single person:  $15,060

SSI maximum annual income:  $11,321.49 

Tier / Discount percentage / Annual Income Requirement:
1 =15% / $27,609  - $36,811
2 = 20% / $18,407 - $27,608
3=25% / $9,204 - $18,406
4 = 40% / $3069 - $9,203
5 = 60% /$ 0-$3,068 

Oregon Public Utility Commission
PO Box 1088
Salem, OR 97308-1088

Email:      puc.consumer@puc.oregon.gov
Phone:     503-378-6600
Toll-free:  800-522-2404