Oregon Orders Growth-Based Rates for Data Centers as PacifiCorp Files Similar Plan

Overview

• State regulators approved Portland General Electric’s new framework to charge large users based on how much their demand drives grid expansion, shifting growth costs away from other customers.
• The order creates a large-load customer class called Schedule 96 and uses a peak growth modifier so fast-growing groups pay a larger share of new infrastructure costs.
• It adds exit fees and minimum charges and requires large facilities to pay all local distribution upgrade costs, with a 90% minimum use enforced through contracts and penalties.
• PacifiCorp separately filed a tariff under House Bill 3546 to create a similar “New Large Energy Use Facilities” schedule in Central Oregon that would make big users fund the upgrades they trigger.
• PGE must submit new prices by June 3 for a June 10 effective date, and KTVZ reports thresholds above 20 MW for large loads and above 100 MW with a 1 cent per kWh surcharge to aid vulnerable customers.