What’s Changing on July 5?

Jefferson PUD Enhances Bill Transparency While Supporting Critical Infrastructure

The Jefferson County Public Utility District (PUD) Board of Commissioners approved the utility’s latest update electric rate schedule and changes to its low-income assistance program scheduled to begin July 5, 2026. The changes present a transparent approach to support households facing the greatest financial hardship while addressing the utility’s infrastructure workplan.

The PUD’s low-income assistance programs refresh features a new tiered discount structure and a dedicated rate reduction funding charge shown separately on monthly bills. The changes bring the program into better alignment with State requirements for billing assistance to qualifying low-income households.

Previously, the cost of PUD assistance programs, which totaled $3.30 in 2025, were originally planned to be $3.60 starting July 2026 according to the most recent PUD electric rate study. Prior to the latest update, low-income program funding was embedded within electric rates paid by all electric customers. In the coming months, assistance program costs will be separated and identified as a standalone $4.00 monthly charge. Customers currently qualified for the PUD’s billing assistance program will be exempt from the charge.

“Moving the Rate Reduction funding charge out of the electric base rate makes the 2026 rate adjustment appear lower than previously scheduled,” said PUD Services Director, Jean Pepper. “However, with the addition of the $4.00 charge to fund the program expansion residential customers will see a $0.40 increase above the previously adopted 2026 fixed base fee.”

The updated assistance program replaces the utility’s previous flat-credit structure with a tiered model that aligns discounts with household income and energy burden. Customers with the greatest financial need will receive larger discounts. The revised program is expected to improve long-term sustainability and direct assistance where it can have the greatest impact.

Under the new structure, Tier 1 households are defined as being at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Qualified services will receive a 30% discount on electric billing and an exemption from the $4.00 rate reduction funding charge.

Qualifying Tier 2 households are those making under 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) while experiencing an energy burden greater than 6% of their total income. Tier 2 will receive a 10% discount on their electric billing and be exempt from the $4.00 rate reduction funding charge.

A third Tier will be offered to customers who meet the income qualification of Tier 2 but have an energy burden below the State’s 6% energy burden requirement. Tier 3 customers will not receive a bill discount but will be exempt from the $4.00 funding charge, resulting in a reduction to their base fees.

The approved rate adjustments also support the PUD’s ongoing four-year workplan for maintaining and upgrading critical electric infrastructure and helps meet the rising cost of purchased power.

For a typical residential electric customer using under 600kWh of energy, the cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) rises from 10.5₵ in 2025, to 11.3₵ cents in 2026. The price per kWh varies by usage tier and service type. Funding helps replace aging equipment, improve system reliability, reduce outage risks, and ensure the utility can continue providing safe and reliable service.

To see the full rate schedule, click here.

“Construction costs, materials, and regulatory requirements continue to pressure electric costs above general inflation rates,” said General Manager, Joe Wilson. “Our goal is to effectively respond to cost pressures, minimize rate increases, optimize system reliability investments, and work to maintain balance with rate adjustments.”

Energy affordability and reliability are always top of mind, Wilson added. “We are staying engaged with the broader challenges facing our wholesale power supplier, BPA, while taking steps this year to setup cost savings in the forecasted rates.”

The learn more and apply for the PUD’s income-qualified assistance program, please visit jeffpud.org/assistance