OregonOregon law bars winter residential rate increases for utility customers
Oregon law bars electric and natural gas utilities from putting residential rate increases into effect from November 1 through March 31.
What it does
Electric and natural gas utilities may not put residential rate increases into effect from November 1 through March 31.
Argument forCustomers may be spared residential rate increases during winter, when keeping heat and other essential services can be especially important.
Argument againstUtilities may have less flexibility to put residential rate increases in place during winter, which could make it harder to time rate changes.
More detail
The law bars public utilities that provide electricity or natural gas from putting residential rate increases into effect during the winter period. This applies to residential rates charged by public utilities that provide electricity or natural gas. The restriction applies from November 1 through March 31. The act takes effect on the 91st day after the 2026 regular session adjourns.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Mar 17Chapter 10, (2026 Laws): Effective date June 5, 2026.Latest
- Mar 5Governor Tina Kotek signed.Became Law
- Feb 27President signed.Major
- Feb 26Speaker signed.Major
- Feb 25Third reading. Carried by Sollman. Passed.Passed Senate
- Vote recorded Third reading. Carried by Sollman. Passed. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 25Second reading.Minor
- Feb 24Recommendation: Do pass.Minor
- Feb 23Public Hearing and Work Session held.
- Vote recorded Heard and Reported Out. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 18Public Hearing Cancelled.
- Feb 11Referred to Energy and Environment.Minor
- Feb 11First reading. Referred to President's desk.Minor
- Feb 10Third reading. Carried by Sosa. Passed.Passed House
- Vote recorded Third reading. Carried by Sosa. Passed. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 9Second reading.Minor
- Feb 7Recommendation: Do pass.Minor
- Feb 5Work Session held.
- Vote recorded Heard and Reported Out. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 3Public Hearing held.
- Feb 2Referred to Commerce and Consumer Protection.Minor
- Feb 2First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.Introduced
Consumer Protection