Central Electric Cooperative Raising Rates in 2026

Oregon homeowners served by Central Electric Cooperative are preparing for higher power bills in 2026. According to recent reporting, Central Electric has approved an 8.5% rate increase, meaning many households across Central Oregon will see noticeable jumps in their monthly electricity costs next year.

Utility rate increases like this are becoming increasingly common across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Rising wholesale power costs, infrastructure investments, and regional transmission expenses continue to put upward pressure on electric rates, and those costs are ultimately passed on to customers.

Why Electric Rates Keep Going Up

Central Electric Cooperative has pointed to higher wholesale power costs, particularly from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), as a key driver behind the 2026 increase. BPA supplies power to many utilities across the region, and when those wholesale prices rise, cooperatives and utilities have little choice but to adjust their rates.

Unfortunately, this isn’t a one-time issue. Many Oregon homeowners have experienced year-after-year utility increases, making long-term energy budgeting more difficult and unpredictable.

How Solar Helps You Fight Back Against Energy Rate Inflation

While homeowners can’t control utility rate hikes, they can control how much electricity they purchase from the grid. That’s where solar energy becomes a powerful financial tool.

By installing solar panels, homeowners can:

• Offset or significantly reduce monthly electric bills
• Lock in long-term energy costs instead of being exposed to annual rate increases
• Produce their own clean energy, reducing reliance on utilities
• Increase home value while lowering operating costs

When utility rates rise, solar becomes even more valuable. Each rate hike increases the savings solar homeowners see because the electricity they generate offsets power that now costs more.

Get your free solar analysis today to see how much you could save with solar. Chat with our solar experts to learn more about solar and estimate your solar savings.

Add Battery Backup for Even More Control

Pairing solar with battery storage allows homeowners to store excess energy and use it when utility rates are highest (TOU rates) or during outages. This added layer of energy independence provides protection against both rising costs and grid disruptions.

Plus, battery backup can keep your home, family, and business safe during blackouts. Keep lights, heating, and cooling on, as well as vital medical and security equipment operational in power outages.

Don’t wait for the next power outages or rate increase. Get your battery backup analysis today and see you could benefit from energy storage.

Take Control of Your Energy Costs with Green Ridge Solar

At Green Ridge Solar, we help Oregon homeowners design solar and battery systems that make sense for their energy usage, budget, and long-term goals. With utility rates continuing to rise, investing in solar isn’t just about sustainability, it’s about protecting yourself from energy inflation.

If you’re concerned about what future rate hikes could mean for your household, now is the time to explore your options. A solar consultation can show you exactly how much you could save by producing your own power instead of paying more for electricity every year.

Energy rates may be rising, but your bills don’t have to. Get your solar and battery analysis today to see how solar and/or battery backup can save you money and protect your from future rate hikes and power outages.