Rocky Mountain Power rates have increased but by significantly less than requested by the company. Originally, a rate increase of 30.5% was requested, prompting outcry from Utah leaders and citizens. Last August, Rocky Mountain Power amended the request to an 18.1% increase which was still unprecedented. State leaders promised to fight that increase as well, arguing that Utah should not be on the hook for costs accrued in other states. The Oregon wildfires in 2020 are largely what that refers to as PacifiCorp, the parent company of Rocky Mountain Power, has had to pay out many millions of dollars due to liability. The Public Service Commission of Utah responded to the August request for the 18.1% increase in its decision issued on April 25th, approving a 4.7% rate increase which is about a quarter of the amended request. “The current capital structure of the company is primarily a result of its own actions,” states the Commission’s order. “It is unreasonable to expect Rocky Mountain Power’s ratepayers in Utah to pay higher rates because of the wildfires in Oregon and the depletion of cash reserves.” The rate change is effective immediately and it is likely the company will appeal decisions in the nearly 200-page order.
