Franklin PUD to Consider Electric Rate Hikes in October
Commissioners will weigh two proposed rate increase scenarios at their meeting on October 27.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Utilities
Live Poll
Should utility companies pass increased operational costs directly to residential customers?
The Franklin PUD Commission is set to decide between two rate increase proposals at an October 27 meeting. The options under consideration include a 3% increase and a 4.7% hike to address rising operational costs.
Why it matters
The utility is facing increased wholesale power costs alongside rising labor and material expenses that have outpaced historic inflation. Additionally, federal mandates requiring increased water spilling at Columbia and Snake River dams have placed further pressure on power rates.
Proposed rate hikes include Scenario 1 at 3% and Scenario 2 at 4.7%. These figures follow a three-year trend of consistent 3% annual residential rate increases.
The players
Roger Write
He is a commissioner for the Franklin PUD in Pasco.
Pedro Torres
He is a commissioner for the Franklin PUD in Pasco.
Bill Gordon
He is a commissioner for the Franklin PUD in Pasco.
The details
The Franklin PUD has streamlined its operations, reducing its staff count from over 100 workers in 2017 to fewer than 80 today. Commissioners Roger Write, Pedro Torres, and Bill Gordon will review the proposals following public hearings held last week.
Timeline
October 27, 2026: Franklin PUD commissioners will vote on the proposed rate increases.
November 2026: The commission is scheduled to adopt the final rate schedule.
January 1, 2027: This is the potential effective start date for a Scenario 1 rate increase.
May 1, 2027: This is the potential effective start date for a Scenario 2 rate increase.
Market Landscape
The utility's rate adjustments follow a broader pattern of rising power costs linked to the Columbia and Snake River dam water spill federal court order. This transition reflects the ongoing industry challenge of balancing federal environmental mandates with local service costs.
Residents in the Pasco area may see their annual electric bills rise by approximately $42.24 or $44.88 depending on the approved scenario. These adjustments will directly impact household budgets starting in early 2027.
The takeaway
Rising utility costs driven by federal compliance mandates are requiring local agencies to re-evaluate their long-term pricing structures. Residents should prepare for potential increases as these operational costs continue to climb above historic inflation levels.
What happens next
Franklin PUD commissioners are scheduled to vote on the rate schedule on October 27, 2026. Benton PUD is also expected to release its own rate increase proposal later this month, with a corresponding public hearing scheduled for November 10.
Further reading
For more context on regional energy pricing, visit the Utilities section.
More information
View the details provided during the public hearing rate presentation.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tri-City Herald.
Live Poll
Should utility companies pass increased operational costs directly to residential customers?
