PENDLETON — Many Umatilla County residents can expect a higher price tag on their first electricity bill of 2023.

Oregon’s utility regulator on Thursday, Dec. 29, announced approved rate increases for Pacific Power customers, citing increased costs to produce and purchase electricity.

“Unfortunately, fuel cost increases and supply chain delays caused by global events, combined with increasing volatility in regional electricity markets, drive the price for utilities to produce and purchase electricity,” Megan Decker, who chairs the Oregon Public Utility Commission, said in a press release.

Pacific Power is the electrical provider to Pendleton, Pilot Rock and other areas in the county.

Oregon customers of Pacific Power now are paying an average of 14.8% more for electricity. In a press release, the company said a typical residential customer using 900 kilowatt hours per month can expect monthly bills to increase from $91.89 to $111.34.

Pacific Power said the significant increase is due to inflation and market volatility, as well as costs associated with mitigating wildfire risk. The company has faced multiple lawsuits tied to the 2020 Labor Day wildfires; one of those cases settled in November, and a class action suit awaits trial.

PacifiCorp, the utility’s parent company, services about 2 million customers in six states, including 630,000 customers in Oregon.

Pacific Power offers programs that provide discounts to customers facing income restraints. Customers also can access support through local community action agencies, including the Oregon Energy Fund, Oregon Energy Assistance Program, COVID Energy Assistance Program and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.