BPA Wholesale Power Rates Expected to Rise

In September, the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) announced an expected 6.3% rate increase to offset a $250 million annual revenue shortfall. This follows a federal lawsuit in which the State of Oregon secured a court order to increase water spill over dams instead of through power turbines.

The federal lawsuit won a court order to divert water over the dams instead of through power-generating turbines. This reduces the amount of hydropower BPA can generate and sell, causing the agency to seek a rate adjustment to recover lost revenue necessary for its operations. BPA is the majority power supplier to consumer-owned utilities, which serve over 1 million Oregonians.

A 2026 State Treasurer’s report found that 53% of Oregonians have had difficulty paying their bills and 73% have cut back spending due to rising costs. We know this is true for our members as well.

Federal fish managers have found that increased spill is unintentionally harming salmon, calling the move “untested and experimental.” High spill levels increase turbidity below the dams, which can disorient adult salmon as they try to navigate upstream to spawn.

This isn’t speculation. Recent reports from Bonneville Power Administration, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and state wildlife agencies show the impact.  John Day Dam and Lower Monumental Dam adult salmon returns dramatically declined this summer under continuous high spill, then rebounded when operators temporarily reduced spill.

The evidence suggests this isn’t working for the fish any better than it’s working for your wallet. BPA’s final decision on the rate increase is due Dec. 18.

A BPA increase doesn’t necessarily mean Lane Electric’s rates will rise. The board of directors and staff are currently working on the 2027 budget.