Pacific Power approved to lower electric bills in 2021

Published on December 22, 2020 by Chris Galford

Throughout 2021, Washington customers of Pacific Power will see their bills drop an average of 1.2 percent, owing to an all-party settlement approved by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.

The decision will affect more than 130,000 people and go into effect on Jan. 1, 2021, providing rate stability until at least 2023. As a result, the typical residential customer’s bill, based on 1,200 kilowatt-hours of use, will decrease approximately $0.55 to $103.81. However, rates will vary depending on the customer type.

“Pacific Power’s top priority during this uncertain time is to keep prices low while providing Washington customers with safe and reliable electricity and supporting their desire for more clean energy to power their homes and businesses,” Stefan Bird, president and CEO of Pacific Power, said. “We’re proud to have worked with our stakeholders in Washington to deliver on all those priorities during a time when low-cost and long-term stability is especially important.”

The first general rate case filed by Pacific Power in Washington since 2014, it also accelerates pass-through of remaining federal tax savings from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and depreciation of coal plant investments to remove coal, almost doubles the amount of wind generation being brought to Washington, establishes an advisory committee to oversee the development of new assistance programs for low-income customers and creates a new, flattened rate structure.

“We have managed to keep rates among the lowest in the nation while investing in Washington and our integrated Western energy system to modernize streetlights, repower existing wind power production, acquire new wind and solar generation, modernize and build new transmission to get the power where it needs to go,” Bird said. “In addition, we are supporting the ongoing growth and success of a new western energy market that we pioneered to lower customer costs, maximize renewable energy, and enhance reliability.”