Washington State

Office of the Attorney General

Attorney General

Bob Ferguson

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

SEATTLE –– Pacific Power customers may comment this week on the company’s proposed electric and gas rate increases during public hearings in Walla Walla and Yakima.

Pacific Power in July filed paperwork with the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) requesting a 4.3 percent rate increase. UTC staff recommends a 1.1 percent increase. The three-member UTC, which is not bound by the staff recommendation, will this spring make a final decision on the rate increase request. New rates, if approved, would take effect in May.

The first public hearing for Pacific Power customers is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24 at Walla Walla City Council Chambers, 15 N. 3rd Ave., Walla Walla. The second meeting is noon Wednesday, Jan. 25, at Yakima City Council Chambers, 129 N. 2nd St., Yakima.

Customers may also write the UTC at: P.O. Box 47250 Olympia, Wash. 98504, e-mail comments to comment@utc.wa.gov or call toll-free 1-888-333-9882.
The commission’s deadline for accepting public comments is March 30.

More information:
http://www.utc.wa.gov/aboutUs/Lists/News/DispForm.aspx?ID=128

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Contacts:
Janelle Guthrie, Director of Communications, (360) 586-0725

The Public Counsel Section advocates for the interests of consumers on major rate cases, mergers and other rulemakings before the UTC. Public Counsel also advocates for consumers in court appeals, through technical study groups and before the Legislature and other policy makers. The office maintains contact with the public through a citizen advisory committee, community organizations, public hearings and personal contact with consumers in major cases. More information about Public Counsel’s work is available online at atg.wa.gov/utility.aspx

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