Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a utility docket?

A utility docket is a legal regulatory case heard by the Oregon Public Utility Commission. The docket typically starts with a regulated utility company (such as Portland General Electric, NW Natural, or Verizon) requesting approval by the PUC of a rate increase, other rate offsets, or a purchase proposal. Arguments, evidence, and testimony are then exchanged between the utility, the PUC staff, and intervenors (third-party groups like CUB, Industrial Customers of the Northwest, or others who represent the interests of customers served by the utility).

What does CUB do on my behalf in these proceedings?

CUB tracks utility company rate increase requests, and argues against unjustifiable costs based upon analysis of utility records, such as sales, employee costs, power supply costs, hydro levels, etc. CUB creates recommendations both on the level of particular dockets and on the policy level, protecting the interests of the residential ratepayer – that’s you! – here in Oregon.

Why should I care?

These utility dockets determine the specific amounts on your utility bill and also the overall pattern of how often and how steeply the prices increase, or whether you get a refund from your utility.

Why are some utilities (e.g., PGE, NW Natural, Qwest) listed here on the CUB website but others (e.g., EWEB, Emerald Public Utility District) are not?

The PUC only regulates privately-held, for-profit utility companies, not PUDs, Municipals, or Cooperatives. Those utilities that are publicly held do not have the same need for regulatory oversight as those with shareholders and profit margins. Also, boards of public utilities are usually elected and therefore directly accountable to ratepayers in a way that privately-held companies’ boards are not.

How can I support CUB in these proceedings?

These proceedings are highly technical and require in-depth analysis of utility costs, and they usually don’t lend themselves well to letter-writing campaigns. Because they can be expensive, even for an efficient organization like CUB, the best way to help support this work is to make a donation via our website or by sending in a check to CUB, PO Box 6345, Portland, OR 97228-6345.

Is a donation to CUB tax deductible?

No, CUB is a tax-exempt organization, but neither a charitable organization nor a Political Action Committee, and therefore donations to CUB are not tax-deductible. Donations to CUB’s sister organization, the CUB Educational Fund, which focuses its efforts on clean, affordable energy policy, are tax-deductible.

If I have a problem with my utility bill or utility service that is not being adequately addressed by the utility company’s customer service representatives, who do I contact and how?

When a utility does not seem to be providing good service, or you have a dispute that needs to be addressed by a third party, you can contact the Oregon Public Utility Commission to file a complaint. They can be reached by phone at (503) 378-6600, or (outside of Salem) at 1-800-522-2404. If you have access to the Internet you can fill out a consumer complaint form online at http://www.puc.state.or.us .

You can also file a consumer complaint with the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Complaints Division, at (503) 229-5576.