Consumer-owned utilities in the US state of Oregon have asked Governor Tina Kotek to reconsider her position on recent operational changes to the Federal Columbia River Power System.
In a letter coordinated by the Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association and signed by 35 utility leaders, including Umatilla Electric Cooperative, the group challenged the governor’s description of the court-ordered changes as a “win” with only modest impacts on electricity rates.
The utilities said early estimates suggest wholesale power costs could rise by about 6%, with total increases reaching up to 17% when combined with other adjustments. They warned that higher wholesale costs are likely to be passed on to consumers.
The letter also raised concerns about grid reliability. Hydropower from the Columbia River system has historically helped balance supply and demand in the Pacific Northwest, particularly during periods of high demand or constrained generation. Utility leaders said reduced operational flexibility at dams could limit the system’s ability to respond in such conditions.
The group called for direct discussions with the governor’s office on the long-term implications of the changes, including impacts on electricity prices, system reliability and future hydropower operations.
