PSE New Rate Hike Proposal Draws Ire at Public Hearing
The utility says the increase would fund new power plants and cleaner energy, while opponents warn of higher bills and a larger profit margin.
- Puget Sound Energy is asking state regulators to approve $1.5 billion in rate increases over the next three years to fund infrastructure investments and meet state clean energy mandates.
- Power acquisition costs have more than tripled since 2019 under Washington's Clean Energy Transformation Act, according to PSE Media Engagement Program Manager Gerald Tracy, driving the utility's need for increased revenue.
- During a packed public hearing in Lacey on Tuesday, about 100 ratepayers voiced affordability concerns, while State Attorney General Nick Brown urged regulators to limit PSE's profit margin to 8.2%.
- The Utilities and Transportation Commission will host a virtual public comment hearing on Wednesday, October 7, at 6 p.m., with a final decision on the rate request expected in January.
- If approved, typical electricity customers would pay an additional $612 annually by 2029, while gas customers would face $276 more yearly as PSE pursues new gas-turbine projects alongside clean energy investments.
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30 Articles
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PSE new rate hike proposal draws ire at public hearing
Washington’s largest utility is proposing to increase electricity rates by nearly 30%
PSE customers blast proposed rate hike, utility cites climate law costs - Regional Media News
(The Center Square) - More than 100 Puget Sound Energy ratepayers packed a four-hour public hearing in Lacey Tuesday night to urge members of the Utilities and Transportation Commission to reject PSE's proposed rate hikes for electricity and natural gas. PSE is asking for a [...]
PSE new rate hike proposal draws ire at public hearing - The Daily Chronicle
The room was packed with a line out the door during the public comment hearing for a Puget Sound Energy rate proposal Tuesday evening at the Utilities and Transportation Commission’s headquarters in Lacey. “We’ve replaced just about everything to something more efficient for which I’ve gotten no incentives and no rebates for,” Becky Foster, a PSE ratepayer in Thurston County, said during the four-hour hearing that drew about 100 commenters. “Th…
Star Local
PSE customers blast proposed rate hike, utility cites climate law costs
(The Center Square) - More than 100 Puget Sound Energy ratepayers packed a four-hour public hearing in Lacey Tuesday night to urge members of the Utilities and Transportation Commission to reject PSE’s proposed rate hikes for electricity and natural gas.
PSE new rate hike proposal draws ire at public hearing • Washington State Standard
The room was packed with a line out the door during the public comment hearing for a Puget Sound Energy rate proposal Tuesday evening at the Utilities and Transportation Commission’s headquarters in Lacey. “We’ve replaced just about everything to something more efficient for which I’ve gotten no incentives and no rebates for,” Becky Foster, a […]
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