Leaders of Oregon’s consumer-owned electric utilities responded today to Governor Tina Kotek’s recent press release applauding the court-ordered changes to Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS) operations. Governor Kotek, who has said, “too many Oregonians are struggling with energy bills,” described the ruling as a “win” and said its effects on electricity rates would be “modest.”
Consumer-owned utility leaders, who represent over one million Oregonians, strongly disagreed with Governor Kotek’s characterization of the rate increase. Initial estimates show an immediate 6% wholesale rate increase, which, combined with other cost-based operational increases, could amount to rate increases of approximately 17%. “We do not believe that represents a ‘modest’ rate increase,” wrote utility leaders.
“While your administration works to address affordability and the growing demand for clean energy, the State is simultaneously supporting litigation that threatens our most essential source of steady, carbon-free electricity.”
Moreover, the COU letter warns that Oregon has come “perilously close to rolling blackouts” in recent years and that reducing hydropower flexibility through court order “creates real reliability risk and very real rate consequences.” The March 2026 letter follows up a October 2025 letter from COU leaders reminding Governor Kotek she had, as a candidate, promised them a “seat at the table” about the operations of the Federal Columbia River Power System. Neither Governor Kotek nor her office responded to the letter.
In their latest letter, Oregon COU leaders again request direct dialogue with Governor Kotek. “The stakes are too high to continue down this path without direct engagement. Oregon’s utility customers deserve transparency about the rate impacts, reliability implications, and long-term replacement strategy — if one exists.” The letter is signed by 35 utility leaders from across the state of Oregon.