For Soledad Molina and her four kids, everyday needs like electricity and heating are constantly at risk. Soledad, a 45-year-old mother from Portland, fell behind on her electricity bills last winter. Rates surged, and extreme weather didn’t help. At one point, her bills hit over $1,000. In June, Portland General Electric (PGE) cut her power for a night. While a state program offered some help, it didn’t last long, and her charges quickly piled up again.
Soledad lost her cleaning job last year and now faces eviction. “It’s a choice between rent, food, and electricity,” she shared. Her limited income from child support and food stamps just doesn’t stretch far enough.
Across Oregon, many are in similar situations. Residential and business energy bills from PGE and PacifiCorp have skyrocketed over the past six years. Nearly 58,000 people had their power cut last year—the highest on record. Consumer advocates say many low-income households are just moments from losing power altogether.
For Soledad, energy bills that once stayed below $100 have shot up to between $200 and $300 a month. She has even tried reducing usage and enrolling in assistance programs, but it hasn’t made a dent.
Historically, the Pacific Northwest enjoyed some of the lowest electricity rates in the country. However, this trend has faded, raising concerns about the sustainability of these costs. Experts predict further increases in rates as Oregon’s energy companies invest heavily in renewable resources like solar and wind to meet climate goals.
Utilities face a dual challenge: they must decarbonize their operations while ensuring that electricity remains affordable. According to the Oregon Public Utility Commission, PGE’s electricity generation costs are expected to double in five years and increase fivefold over the next 15.
Recent data reflects wider trends beyond Oregon. A nationwide study indicates that energy bills have risen significantly, with a reported 61% spike in residential rates between 2019 and 2025. Even small businesses are feeling the pinch, facing rising fixed costs that include electricity. Britt Marra, executive director of the National Small Business Utility Council, shared that these pressures worry many in the small business community.
The state is trying to address these challenges with recent legislation. The “Power Act” aims to ensure that larger energy users, like data centers, take on a fair share of the costs they create. However, it remains to be seen how effectively this law will buffer residential customers from rising prices.
Meanwhile, many Oregon residents are starting to voice their frustration. Activists like Be Marston, a union organizer, are raising awareness about the impact of data centers on household bills. As tech companies thrive, everyday workers are struggling to make ends meet.
This situation reflects a broader national trend where rising energy costs are becoming a pressing issue for lower-income families. As these dynamics shift, it’s crucial for consumers to stay aware of developments and advocate for fair energy practices. The next steps will be critical, as decisions made today will influence how Oregonians—like Soledad—navigate the coming energy landscape.
Source link
rates,electric,electricity,power,oregon,pge
