Gov. Kotek signs POWER Act to shield Oregonians from Big Tech utility bills

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Gov. Tina Kotek has signed the Protecting Oregonians With Energy Responsibility (POWER) Act into law, effectively shielding residents from taking on increased utility rates from Big Tech facilities in the state.

Now, thanks to HB 3546, companies with facilities such as data centers or cryptocurrency operations will be held responsible for their utility bills. 

Kyle Herrig with Unlocking America’s Future said the POWER Act is accountability.

“Hard-working Oregon families who earn their paychecks and pay their bills each month shouldn't have to subsidize the massive energy consumption of for-profit data centers through higher utility bills,” Herrig said.

Kotek’s signature means there will be a separate pricing system for energy users who demand more than 20 megawatts, or roughly the same usage as a small city, according to the Democratic Majority Office.

The Democratic lawmakers note that industrial users currently pay about eight cents a kilowatt hour, while households are charged more than double the rate at 19.6 cents per kilowatt hour.

“The bill helps protect everyday users, like families and small businesses, from paying the costs that big businesses are running up,” said Sen. Deb Patterson (D–Salem), who co-sponsored the POWER Act. “Household budgets are stretched far enough as they are. They shouldn’t be covering corporate costs, too.”

However, Rep. David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford) previously raised concerns that the bill would discourage tech companies from growing their presence in Oregon.