HB 3792
Increases from $20 million to $40 million the minimum amount to be collected from the customers of electric companies for low-income electric bill payment and crisis assistance.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
93%
Oppose
7%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill directs the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) to study consumer protection for utility ratepayers and submit a report with recommendations to the Legislative Assembly by September 15, 2026. It also includes a sunset provision, expiring on January 2, 2027. The bill does not directly address low-income electric bill assistance programs.
Key provisions
- The Public Utility Commission (PUC) must study consumer protection for utility ratepayers.
- The PUC must submit a report to the Legislative Assembly’s interim committees on energy by September 15, 2026.
- The report may include recommendations for legislation.
- The bill expires on January 2, 2027.
Who is affected
- Utility ratepayers
- Oregon Legislative Assembly
- Public Utility Commission
Notable changes
- Establishes a deadline for the PUC to submit its report (September 15, 2026).
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of House Bill 3792 emphasize the need for increased funding for the Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP) to address rising energy costs and their impact on low-income households. The proposed increase in funding would help close the gap between what families need and what support has historically been available, with a focus on preventing utility disconnections that can threaten people's health, livelihood, and housing stability. Many testifiers highlight the urgent need for assistance due to rising energy costs, citing personal experiences and community stories of struggling low-income individuals and families who rely on OEAP services. Additionally, organizations such as Klamath and Lake Community Action Services, Oregon Human Development Corporation, and the Coalition of Communities of Color emphasize the importance of culturally specific services, wraparound support, and data-driven strategies to address energy insecurity among marginalized communities.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
The opposition to HB 3792 expresses concerns that the proposed legislation will increase costs for ratepayers, potentially making them worse off. that taxing ratepayers to fund the OEAP is an unfair burden, particularly when alternative solutions such as reducing or repealing the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) could achieve similar goals without increasing costs. Additionally, PGE's testimony highlights concerns about potential impacts on utility bill affordability and customer protections, citing the need for safeguards to ensure that any changes do not compromise the well-being of customers. By prioritizing funding for the OEAP over other considerations, opponents fear that HB 3792 may unfairly shift the burden onto ratepayers.