HB 3161
Prohibits a public utility from increasing the public utility's rates or schedules of rates if the public utility has, for a period of three or more years, outstanding or contingent liabilities arising out of wildfire-related litigation.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill prevents public utilities in Oregon from raising their rates if they have unresolved lawsuits related to wildfires that began after July 5, 2020. The bill applies to wildfire-related litigation that has been ongoing for at least three years. It establishes a timeline for when utilities can increase rates following these legal issues. The law takes effect 91 days after the end of the legislative session.
Key provisions
- Public utilities cannot increase rates if they have ongoing wildfire-related litigation.
- The litigation must have been ongoing for three or more years.
- The bill specifically covers wildfires that started between July 5, 2020, and December 1, 2020.
- ‘Wildfire-related litigation’ is defined as lawsuits seeking compensation for losses caused by wildfires.
- The Public Utility Commission is not involved in rate increases in these cases.
- The law is part of ORS chapter 757.
- The law expires on January 2, 2036.
Who is affected
- Public Utilities
- Ratepayers
- Oregon Residents
- Utility Companies
- Litigation Defendants
Notable changes
- This bill restricts a utility's ability to raise rates based on wildfire-related liabilities.
- It establishes a specific timeframe (three or more years) for ongoing litigation before rate increases are prohibited.
- It defines ‘wildfire-related litigation’ to clarify the scope of the restriction.
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