State regulators approve PacifiCorp tariff updates and a new cost-sharing plan

Media contact: [email protected] or 360-664-1116
Docket number: UE-250224

LACEY, Wash. - On Dec. 22, 2025, the Utilities and Transportation Commission approved updates to Pacific Power & Light Company's (PacifiCorp) electric service tariff. This power cost-only rate case (PCORC) was required by a prior order to reset the company's baseline power costs and remove coal from Washington customer rates by Jan. 1, 2026.

A key part of PacifiCorp's proposal was a plan to share costs among all six states the company serves, called the 2026 Protocol, to replace the Washington Interjurisdictional Allocation Methodology (WIJAM). The commission found the new plan to be equitable and reasonable, noting that using the 2026 Protocol reduces costs for Washington customers by about $68 million versus the status quo. This cost difference is in addition to the commission's finding that the 2026 Protocol better positions PacifiCorp to meet the requirements of the state's Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA).

The commission also approved changes to PacifiCorp's net power costs and the removal of coal from Washington rates, with conditions. These conditions include requiring additional information about wind curtailments, temporary hedging practices, and current safeguards continue to prevent significant increases in customer costs without commission review and approval.

Background

In April 2025, PacifiCorp filed a proposal with the commission for a revenue increase of about $33.9 million, or 7.9%. The commission suspended the tariff revisions to allow for a full review. The commission held a virtual public comment hearing on Dec. 12, 2025, where many customers raised concerns about how recent rate increases were affecting their households and businesses. On Dec. 16, 2025, Public Counsel shared a summary of these comments, with most of them focused on affordability and the financial burden of rising rates.

The commission recognized these concerns and stated that it will work to lessen rate impacts and avoid larger increases in the future.

About the UTC

The UTC regulates investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities in Washington. The commission ensures regulated companies provide safe, equitable, and reliable service to customers at reasonable rates, while earning a fair profit.

About PacifiCorp

Portland-based PacifiCorp is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Energy, which is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. PacifiCorp operates through its Pacific Power division, providing electric service to over 137,000 customers in Southcentral and Southeastern Washington.

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