Point Roberts groups oppose proposed PSE rate increases

Two Point Roberts organizations are opposing Puget Sound Energy’s proposed rate increases, joining Washington Attorney General Nick Brown in asking state regulators to limit costs passed on to customers.
The Point Roberts Taxpayers Association and Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee both agreed to write to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, which can approve, reject or modify PSE’s proposed rates. In an Oct. 12 letter, taxpayers association President Mark Robbins urged regulators to deny the request as submitted, citing affordability concerns for residents and businesses.
The Attorney General’s Office argues PSE’s proposed increases of about 29% for electricity and 20% for natural gas over three years are excessive and unreasonable. If approved, the increases could add about $607 annually to the average customer’s electric bill and $264 to the average natural gas bill by 2029, compared with current rates.
The Attorney General’s Office also opposes PSE’s proposed return on equity, which would rise from the current 9.9% to 10.8%. The office recommends limiting it to 8.17%, a position supported by PRTA. Robbins wrote that the lower rate seemed adequate given the financial pressures facing customers, particularly in northern border communities such as Point Roberts.
The state commission plans to vote on the case in January. If approved, rate changes would take effect that same month, with further changes scheduled annually. Customers can submit comments on the proposal through Nov. 12 by emailing comments@utc.wa.gov.