Just downloaded a PUC statistical publication detailing various factors of the energy production and distribution in Oregon. First thing I noted was that rates jumped 7% from 1996 at 5.76 kWh to 6.16 kWh in 2000. Since FERC Order 888 went into effect in 2000, rates have jumped another 26% to 7.67 kWh in 2006.
Deregulation was sold to the public as a means of keeping rates low due to free market forces and competition. Nevertheless, the data show that the cooperatives, municipalities and PUDs are still cheaper than the investor owned utilities.
Much more on this report at a later date.
