Why energy prices change
We strive to keep prices as low as possible while delivering safe, reliable and increasingly clean energy. As our community's needs change, we continually adjust and grow to meet these new challenges.
How does PGE charge for electricity?
Your bill covers your own energy use and supports the crews, equipment and upgrades that keep your power safe and reliable.
Factors that impact customer prices
Daily maintenance and upgrades to keep the grid safe and reliable
Creating, buying and delivering power to homes and businesses
Customer programs and safety efforts that support our community
Tariffs, state-mandated fees and pass-through costs we’re required to collect
How energy prices are decided
PGE sets prices based on several factors. These include fuel and power purchasing costs, operating expenses and regulatory requirements. We also consider providing a fair return for shareholders who invest in our system's infrastructure.
As a regulated utility, 
PGE files rate changes with the Oregon Public Utility Commission. The filing details reasons for the proposed changes. The OPUC reviews PGE's request through a public process that allow for adjustments for changes, like power costs without needing a full rate case. 

So, how do we come up with the price?
Base rates
Most notably, base rates cover the cost of maintaining the electric grid. This includes fixing and replacing old power lines, poles and equipment.
Power costs
We create and deliver electricity to customers. But when there's more demand for power than what we have, we need to buy extra electricity from other sources (these other sources are known as the open market). What we create and what we buy are summed up as power costs. Here are some common reasons why we buy power on the open market:

When it's cheaper to buy power rather than generate it ourselves
When we need to buy more power to meet the needs of our customers
To keep power reliable during emergencies and extreme situations
Supplemental charges
Customers may see adjustments on their bills that collect or refund money for new and existing PGE customer programs and safety efforts that support our community; Tariffs, state-mandated fees and pass-through costs we’re required to collect. The OPUC constantly reviews these charges when we update our filings.
Investors help us build a better future
PGE's investors provide money for projects upfront. This approach allows us to spread the costs of necessary improvements over many years. Discover how PGE and our investors are working together to shape the future of reliable energy.
Steps you can take
Be part of the process
When we propose rate changes to meet growing needs, customers and community groups can give feedback on our request and attend public meetings or attend public OPUC meetings.
Take control of your energy use
Your personal Customer Dashboard helps you maximize your savings, understand your bill, sign up for energy-saving programs and more.
See your dollars at work
Learn about PGE's recent rate filings and why these changes are essential for maintaining and investing in safe and reliable power.
Understanding your bill
Here’s an example of a bill. We’ve numbered each section of the bill, so you can use the legend to see what each area means.
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