PORTLAND, Ore. — The Bonneville Power Administration has proposed rate increases averaging 6.7 percent for the power it sells largely to public utilities in its four-state Northwest area.
It’s also proposed a rate increase of 5.6 percent for the transmission it manages.
The agency said in a statement Thursday a large share of the increase for power sales is a result of previous capital spending. It said integrating wind power into the system helps push up transmission costs.
The federal utility sells power produced at 31 dams and a nuclear power plant to more than 140 utilities — more than a third of regional consumption.
Its transmission grid in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana handles three-quarters of the region’s power.
The increases would be effective Oct. 1 next year.