Pacific Power electricity rates have increased in Oregon, effective Jan. 10, 2023.

Oregon farmers were already facing challenges from escalating labor, transportation and pollination costs, not to mention higher interest rates on loans. Now, add electricity to that mix.

Pacific Power has increased rates for Oregon customers effective Jan. 10.

“When these kinds of things go up, it makes everything go up,” and that includes petroleum and fertilizer, said Greg Addington, Oregon Farm Bureau executive director.

But commodity prices stay the same, Addington said.

According to the Oregon Public Utility Commission, power costs are markedly higher due to market volatility, as well as wildfire risk mitigation actions taken by the company.

Irrigation customers will see a rate increase of 13.3%, according to the PUC.

Residential customers will see a 12.9% increase, which will amount to a $14.92 jump in monthly bills for a single-family residence using the average 900 kWh a month.

Small commercial customers will see a 12.1% average increase.

Large commercial and industrial customers will see a 16.7% average increase.

“This rate increase reflects the reality of high market power prices for utilities and the important actions Pacific Power is taking to reduce wildfire risks on its system,” said Megan Decker, Oregon Public Utility Commission chairwoman, in a news release.

“At the same time, we recognize how difficult it is for families and businesses to adjust to higher bills, and we encourage them to seek out help through energy efficiency programs that reduce usage and rate discount programs to address communities facing high energy burdens,” she added.

Pacific Power has about 618,000 customers in Oregon.