The Dalles Electricity Rates
The Dalles’ average residential electricity rate is 11.5¢/kWh — approximately 36% below the national average, making it among the cheapest in the nation. Northern Wasco County PUD serves The Dalles households, purchasing wholesale hydropower from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) — the federal agency that markets electricity from Columbia River dams including The Dalles Dam, located right next to the city. Oregon is a fully regulated market — you cannot choose your electricity provider.
The Dalles Utilities
The Dalles’ electricity flows through a two-tier public power structure — Northern Wasco County PUD handles local distribution, while the Bonneville Power Administration supplies wholesale hydropower from Columbia River dams.
Northern Wasco County PUD is a public, customer-owned People’s Utility District serving The Dalles and surrounding communities. The PUD purchases wholesale power from the Bonneville Power Administration at extremely low rates, passing those savings to ratepayers. As a customer-owned district, the board is elected by local voters. The result: electricity rates among the cheapest in the entire nation.
The Bonneville Power Administration is a federal agency that markets wholesale power from 31 Columbia River dams — including The Dalles Dam, located immediately adjacent to the city. BPA supplies Northern Wasco County PUD at some of the lowest wholesale rates in the nation. Google chose The Dalles for its first purpose-built data center in 2006 largely because of this ultra-cheap BPA hydropower.
The Dalles Electric Bills
At The Dalles’ average rate of 11.5¢/kWh, here’s what a typical home pays across the year — and where that electricity is generated on Oregon’s grid.
Estimated monthly bill across the year
A typical The Dalles home’s bill ranges from about $80 in Jul to $148 in Jan — winter electric heating is the single biggest driver. The Columbia Gorge’s cold, windy winters push usage highest from December through February.
The Dalles Power Generation
Monthly bills are modeled from the local average rate and a Pacific Northwest seasonal usage profile; your actual usage will vary. Grid mix reflects Oregon’s generation sources (EIA data).
How to Lower Your The Dalles Electric Bill
Oregon is regulated, but The Dalles already enjoys some of the cheapest electricity in the nation thanks to BPA hydropower. Focus on winter heating efficiency for the biggest impact.
Upgrade Heating
Columbia Gorge winters are cold and windy — heat pumps vs baseboard heaters save 25–35%.
PUD Programs
Northern Wasco County PUD offers energy efficiency rebates and conservation programs.
Solar Considerations
Pacific NW gets fewer peak sun hours and base rates are already very low, making solar payback longer — weigh carefully.
The Dalles Electricity FAQ
Common questions about electricity rates, utilities, and service in The Dalles and Wasco County.
What is the average electricity rate in The Dalles?
The Dalles’ average residential rate is 11.5¢/kWh as of September 2026 — approximately 36% below the national average of 18.83¢/kWh. Commercial rates average around 8.9¢/kWh.
Is Oregon a deregulated electricity state?
No. Oregon is fully regulated. Your utility is determined by your address. The Dalles is served by Northern Wasco County PUD, a public, customer-owned utility district that purchases wholesale power from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA).
Who is the electric utility for The Dalles?
Northern Wasco County PUD handles local distribution. It is a customer-owned People’s Utility District that purchases wholesale hydropower from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), the federal agency that markets power from Columbia River dams. Outage line: 541-296-2226.
What is the average monthly electric bill in The Dalles?
The average household pays approximately $105/month. Usage averages about 950 kWh/month, with winter electric heating driving the highest bills from December through February.
How do I report a power outage in The Dalles?
Contact Northern Wasco County PUD at 541-296-2226 to report an outage.
Why is electricity so cheap in The Dalles?
The Dalles benefits from BPA hydropower generated at Columbia River dams — including The Dalles Dam, located immediately adjacent to the city. This federal hydropower is among the cheapest in the nation, and Northern Wasco County PUD passes those ultra-low wholesale rates directly to customers. It’s the same cheap power that attracted Google to build its first data center here in 2006.