Ratepayers Win Compensation as Oregon OKs Enron/PG&E Merger

Fortnightly Magazine - September 1 1997
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Regulated customers of Portland General Electric Co. will receive compensation both for lost profits and for future, anticipated efficiencies under the final decision issued by the Oregon Public Utility Commission that approved the merger between PGE and Enron Corp.

Under the approved merger plan, Enron will absorb the utility's corporate parent, Portland General Corp.

As a result of negotiations between the merging companies and the commission's staff, Enron has agreed to guarantee "monetary compensation and benefits" to Oregon ratepayers in the amount of $141 million. The figure includes $36 million in cost savings associated with anticipated reduction in Portland's costs as a result of Enron's "oversight and efficiencies."

Ratepayers also will receive a share of future profits on nonfranchise sales and compensation for lost margins from utility activities that no longer will occur, such as Portland's trading in the wholesale power market. The settlement also includes a number of conditions to provide protections for consumers and commitments to various public purposes, including development of renewable resources, continued mitigation of the fish and wildlife impact of Portland's hydroelectric facilities, the development of a "systems benefit charge" and charitable donations for low-income bill assistance.

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