HB 3159
Limits the maximum percentage by which a public utility may increase a rate or schedule of rates in a calendar year to the average percentage change of the Consumer Price Index.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2025 Regular Session
Committee
Commerce and Consumer Protection
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill limits how much a public utility, such as a water or electric company, can raise its rates each year. The increase is capped at the average change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a measure of inflation, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Public Utility Commission will determine the maximum allowable increase for each year, ensuring rates don't rise faster than the cost of living.
Key provisions
- Limits rate increases for public utilities.
- The maximum increase is tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
- The CPI used is the ‘West Region (All Items)’ index from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- The Public Utility Commission calculates and approves the maximum increase.
- The Commission must publish the maximum increase for the following year by September 30th.
Who is affected
- Public utility customers
- Public utilities (e.g., water, electric, gas companies)
- The Public Utility Commission
Notable changes
- Establishes a specific formula for rate increases based on the CPI.
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