A typical family using 950 kilowatt hours a month may see their power bill increase by $30 if Pacific Power’s proposed rate hike is approved.

Residential customers with average usage may see their bill climb by about 21%.

If you are a Pacific Power customer, you may want to comment on its proposed rate increase.

The company says it needs to invest in infrastructure. It needs to do more to reduce risk from wildfire. It wants to upgrade its customer service system. It needs to invest in more wind power and more.

Rate filings can be arcane to many consumers. But the state utility commission is supposed to balance the interests of the consumer. And consumers get help from the state-funded, Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board, which has people with technical expertise to dig into filings and argue on behalf of consumers.

You have until June 14 to submit comments by phone or in writing. You can email PUC.PublicComments@puc.oregon.gov. You can call 503-378-6600.