Wyoming Advocate Opposed Rocky Mountain Power Rate Hike
The Wyoming Office of Consumer Advocate plans to fight the utility's proposed 8.8% electricity rate increase for 2027.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Utilities
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The Wyoming Office of Consumer Advocate will challenge Rocky Mountain Power's proposed 8.8% electricity rate hike, marking the third such request in three years. If approved, these consecutive increases would result in a 25% cumulative rise in rates for the utility's 150,000 customers since 2024.
Why it matters
The intervention highlights growing friction between state regulators and the utility provider over the cumulative financial burden placed on Wyoming residents. Rocky Mountain Power maintains that these adjustments are necessary to offset rising capital investment, maintenance costs, and ongoing inflationary pressures.
PacifiCorp reported $171 million in first-quarter net income for 2025, a 46% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This follows a $53.9 million rate increase previously approved by the commission in 2023.
The players
Rocky Mountain Power
This electric utility company serves approximately 150,000 customers in the state of Wyoming.
Wyoming Office of Consumer Advocate
This state office is responsible for representing the interests of utility customers during regulatory proceedings.
Wyoming Public Service Commission
This regulatory body oversees utility rate structures and determines final approval for rate increase requests.
PacifiCorp
This parent company of Rocky Mountain Power reported a 46% increase in first-quarter net income in 2025.
The details
The Office of Consumer Advocate, along with the Wyoming Industrial Energy Consumers and a consortium of irrigators, has formally intervened to oppose the rate hike. They intend to file testimony on September 29, 2026, aimed at securing a significant reduction or total elimination of the proposed increase.
Timeline
Rocky Mountain Power requested a 21.6% rate increase in 2023.
The 8.8% rate increase proposal was announced in May 2026.
A public comment hearing was held in Casper on September 24, 2026.
A public comment hearing is scheduled for Rock Springs on September 28, 2026.
The Office of Consumer Advocate will file testimony regarding the rate analysis on September 29, 2026.
Market Landscape
This dispute reflects a broader struggle between state regulators and major utilities over the frequency of rate adjustments. It mirrors a trend where consumer advocacy groups are increasingly scrutinizing utility-requested hikes against the backdrop of rising corporate net incomes.
If the 8.8% increase is approved, Wyoming residents and businesses will face higher monthly utility bills beginning in 2027. This change would contribute to a 25% total increase in electricity costs for the state's consumers since 2024.
The takeaway
The ongoing series of rate increase requests by Rocky Mountain Power continues to place significant pressure on household and industrial budgets in Wyoming. Residents should monitor upcoming commission hearings to understand how these proposed utility costs might impact their long-term expenses.
Further reading
For more information on the current regulatory environment, visit the Utilities section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cowboy State Daily.
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