Panel ratifies fee increase to 4% for self‑direct public‑purpose program; Senate Bill 55‑19 moves to full committee

The Ways and Means Natural Resources Subcommittee moved Senate Bill 55‑19, the fee ratification bill for the Oregon Department of Energy, to the full committee after LFO staff explained the change and its expected fiscal effect.

The measure ratifies an administrative fee increase for the large electric consumer public‑purpose self‑direct program from 2% to 4% to cover program administration, the Legislative Fiscal Office said. The increase is expected to generate about $46,550 in other funds revenue in the 2025‑27 biennium.

Why it matters: Administrative fee changes must be ratified by the legislature under ORS 291.055 when they were administratively adopted during the interim. Ratification ensures the fee authority is confirmed for the budget and administration assumptions in SB 55‑18.

LFO staff told the panel the fee is separate from the energy supplier assessment that some stakeholders had discussed earlier; the assessment is a different statutory charge. LFO said the department notified stakeholders of the intent to raise the fee and received no formal feedback.

A motion to move SB 55‑19 to the full committee with a due‑pass recommendation passed by roll call. The roll call recorded ayes from Representative Owens, Representative Lively, Representative Hartman, Representative Levy, Senator Gorsek and Co‑chair Frederick; Senators Anderson and Representative Breece Iverson were excused.

The subcommittee closed the work session on SB 55‑19 and adjourned.