City Cast Portland logo
February 7, 2023

Why Your Utility Bills Are Skyrocketing

City Cast Portland

Why Your Utility Bills Are Skyrocketing

00:00:00
View all City Cast Portland episodes

Utility bills have skyrocketed this winter. Even natural gas, which at one point was considered the cheapest energy source, has more than doubled in price. Today on the show, we’re going to be talking to Charlotte Shuff, the outreach manager at the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board. They’ll fill us in on some proposed legislation in Salem that could lead to significant energy savings for Portland households in the coming years. We’ll also get some quick tips on how to immediately lower our utility bills.

Here’s some of the resources & upcoming legislation we discuss in today’s episode:

Oregon House Bill 3143 (Related to utilities & wildfire costs)

Transition to energy-efficient homes on the docket for Oregon lawmakers [KGW]

Oregon Energy Assistance Program

Consumer Tips from OCUB

Utilities 101: Understanding your Portland General Electric Bill 

Questions About Gas Stoves? Look Toward Induction!

Community Energy Project

Multnomah County Weatherization

 

Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at [email protected], or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448.

Still want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Portland

Stay connected to City Cast Portland and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
June 10

The County’s Tick Warning, and PGE Wants Data Centers to Pay More. Plus, Mailbag!

We're talking about the uptick in ticks in Portland, according to Multnomah County health officials, and a proposed 29% electricity rate...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
June 9

Portland's $3.6M Pothole, Cuts to County Homelessness Programs, and Travel Oregon Gets a Cheaper Boss

Today, we're talking about a record-breaking payout for damage caused by a Portland pothole, the deep cuts in Multnomah County’s $4 billi...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
June 8

Why TriMet Is Slashing $64.5 Million, Free Summer Bus to Forest Park, Plus Albina’s 94-Acre Resurrection

We're talking about the free shuttle bus service to the Zoo and Forest Park coming this summer, and the major cuts coming to TriMet servi...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
June 7

'Your City Could Be Better': How Las Vegas Saves More Water Than Any Other City — Presented By City Cast Portland

Portland recycles some of its water, but not as much as Las Vegas, where the water there stays in the city. How else could a desert city...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
June 5

The Portland Fire Is on Fire, Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against a Local Spiritual Leader, and Do You Doughnut?

In honor of National Donut Day, we're looking into Portland's reputation as a doughnut town and sharing our favorite — and least favorite...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
June 4

Patagonia vs. a Bend Drag Queen, AI in School, and Utility Rates Go Up

Today, we're talking about Patagonia's fight with a Bend drag queen, Portland Public Schools' new AI handbook, and our utility bills risi...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
June 3

Oregon Strawberry Varieties You Need To Eat This Season

We’re taste testing our way through some of Oregon’s sweetest strawberries, and learning some new fun facts along the way. Like, did you...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
June 2

How to Get Free Drinks at PDX, Longview Paper Mill Disaster’s Local Impact, Surprising Data on SNAP Recipients

We're talking about a new business at PDX airport that's offering a pretty cool perk to investors, the local impact of the Longview chemi...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
June 1

Your Guide to June 2026 in Portland

Whether you’re enjoying a full week of eating strawberry shortcake or joining in on an LCD Soundsystem–themed group bike ride, June is of...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
May 31

'Your City Could Be Better': How Chicago's Libraries Meet Community Needs — Presented By City Cast Portland

Where would Portland be without its libraries? Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just t...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art