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OregonHB 40252026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Relating to the residential rates of public utilities; and prescribing an effective date.

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

No winter hikes for power and gas

For electric and natural gas utilities, a new residential rate increase cannot take effect from November 1 through March 31. This shields winter bills; any approved increases start outside that period.

Stronger checks on residential utility rates

When a utility files a new or higher rate, the commission may hold a hearing after notice. If a proper written complaint is filed within 60 days, the commission must hold a hearing. Any hearing is conducted within 60 days of the utility’s filing. At the hearing, the utility must prove the rate is fair, just, and reasonable; the commission cannot approve unfair rates. For automatic adjustment clause changes, no hearing is required. The commission bases decisions on the hearing record and can give technical help to customers.

Automatic rate adjustments with oversight

If your utility uses an automatic adjustment clause, it can raise or lower rates without a prior hearing. These changes reflect shifts in costs, taxes paid to governments, or revenues. The commission reviews each clause at least once every two years. This speeds changes but keeps periodic oversight.

New rules for alternative rate plans

Under approved alternative rate plans, the usual rate-case hearing rule does not apply. Before approving a plan, the commission checks efficiency, least-cost resource choices, safe and reliable service, and overall customer benefit. Before any plan-based rate change starts, the utility must show the calculation at a public commission meeting. The commission can order the utility to prove plan rates are just, reasonable, and match the plan, and customers can file complaints. At least every two years, the commission reports to lawmakers on how these plans affect customer rates.

Smoothing large residential rate hikes

The commission can smooth a big residential rate increase when a sudden jump would threaten your ability to keep service. Any adjusted rates must still be fair, just, and reasonable. The commission may allow the utility to defer some costs and recover them later from customers.

When these utility rules start

This law starts 91 days after the 2026 regular legislative session ends. From that date, the commission, utilities, and customers follow the new rate rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 85 • No: 16

Senate vote • 2/25/2026

Third reading. Carried by Sollman. Passed.

Yes: 24 • No: 4

Senate vote • 2/23/2026

Energy and Environment: Heard and Reported Out

Yes: 5 • No: 0

House vote • 2/10/2026

Third reading. Carried by Sosa. Passed.

Yes: 49 • No: 9

House vote • 2/5/2026

Commerce and Consumer Protection: Heard and Reported Out

Yes: 7 • No: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter 10, (2026 Laws): Effective date June 5, 2026.

    3/17/2026House

  2. Governor signed.

    3/5/2026House

  3. President signed.

    2/27/2026Senate

  4. Speaker signed.

    2/26/2026House

  5. Third reading. Carried by Sollman. Passed.

    2/25/2026Senate

  6. Second reading.

    2/24/2026Senate

  7. Recommendation: Do pass.

    2/24/2026Senate

  8. Public Hearing and Work Session held.

    2/23/2026Senate

  9. Public Hearing Cancelled.

    2/18/2026Senate

  10. Referred to Energy and Environment.

    2/11/2026Senate

  11. First reading. Referred to President's desk.

    2/11/2026Senate

  12. Third reading. Carried by Sosa. Passed.

    2/10/2026House

  13. Second reading.

    2/9/2026House

  14. Recommendation: Do pass.

    2/6/2026House

  15. Work Session held.

    2/5/2026House

  16. Public Hearing held.

    2/3/2026House

  17. Referred to Commerce and Consumer Protection.

    2/2/2026House

  18. First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.

    2/2/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    2/25/2026

    PDF

  • Introduced

    1/28/2026

    PDF

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