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OPB’s First Look: Data centers to pay more for power
OPB’s First Look: Data centers to pay more for power
OPB’s First Look: Data centers to pay more for power

Published on: 06/05/2026

This news was posted by Oregon Today News

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Subscribe to OPB’s First Look to receive Northwest news in your inbox six days a week.

Good morning, Northwest.

Electricity is about to get more expensive for data centers and other power-hungry industries served by Portland General Electric.

The utility is raising rates on that class of users — and cutting them for others — because of a new state law. OPB climate reporter Monica Samayoa reports on the changes to start today’s newsletter.

Also this morning, is Portland a bagel city now?

Here’s your First Look at Friday’s news.

— Bradley W. Parks

Top story

FILE - A Portland General Electric substation in Sherwood, Ore., on March 17, 2026.

PGE will increase rates for data centers, decrease for residents

Data centers served by Portland General Electric are about to pay more for power.

The electrical utility announced yesterday that it will increase rates by 29% for businesses like data centers and cryptocurrency that use lots of electricity. It’s in accordance with a new law approved by the Oregon Legislature last year.

The goal of the POWER Act, as it’s known, is to make energy-heavy industry pay for their share of electrical usage.

As a result of the rate increase for large-load users, residential and commercial rates will tick down slightly. (Monica Samayoa)

Learn More

3 things to know

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez speaks during a press conference at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. in Longview, Wash., on May 27, 2026.
  • Portland city councilors voted 7-5 yesterday to ban the sale of foie gras, a fatty liver dish traditionally made by force-feeding ducks or geese. (Alex Zielinski)
  • On Tuesday, a district court judge in Oregon ruled a lawsuit filed by the estate of Aaron Stanton, who was shot and killed by Portland police officer Joshua Dyk in 2022, can proceed to trial. (Conrad Wilson)
  • Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, who represents Longview, Washington, successfully spearheaded an effort to restore funding for the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, the agency charged with identifying what caused the deadly tank rupture at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. (Lauren Dake)

Longview picks up the pieces after mill tragedy

Last month, Southwest Washington was struck by tragedy when 11 people were killed at a Longview paper mill. As the community tries to find out what happened, an investigation into the incident may be jeopardized by national politics. On the latest episode of “OPB Politics Now,” reporters talk about the fallout from the tragedy. (Erik Neumann, Lauren Dake and Dirk VanderHart)

Listen Now

Northwest headlines

Josh Fairbanks prepares bread and bagel orders at his Fairbanks Bread pop-up in Portland, Ore., on June 1, 2026.

Listen in on OPB’s daily conversation

“Think Out Loud” airs at noon and 8 p.m. weekdays on OPB Radio, opb.org and the OPB News app. Today’s planned topics (subject to change):

One more look

Oregon-grown dulse seaweed and fava beans put a Northwest spin on the classic bento side dish hijiki no-nimono

Superabundant recipe: Oregon dulse and fava bean salad for total bento bliss

School’s out for summer! Even if that doesn’t actually change anything in your day-to-day, you’ve got to admit summer break is more than a calendar item for students. It’s a state of mind.

To channel that brain state, have a picnic, take a train somewhere, stare into open water — whatever you do or wherever you go, pack a lunch.

When it comes to picnics and lunch boxes, it’s kind of hard to beat the Japanese bento box. This seaweed salad, hijiki no-nimono, is a perfect fit. (Heather Arndt Anderson)

Learn More

Subscribe to OPB’s First Look to receive Northwest news in your inbox six days a week.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/06/05/data-center-utility-rates-pge-first-look/

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Marshfield High School Class of 2026 Valedictorians and Salutatorian. Valedictorian Maya Aguirre was born and raised in Coos Bay, Oregon by her parents, Amy and Joe Aguirre. Maya was involved in many school activities, including National Honor Society, where she was a member for three years. She was also a member of Science National Honor Society, where she was an officer for two years, and part of the MHS dance team and Varsity softball, serving as a captain for two years. Additionally, Maya was part of the MHS Charity Program and earned her Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree from Southwestern Community College. Maya plans to study Pediatric Occupational Therapy, with a major in Psychology, to later return home and pursue her career as a POT. Valedictorian Mallory Edd was born and raised in Coos Bay, Oregon, by her parents, Amelia and Trevor Edd. She is the older sister of Sheldon Edd. Mallory was involved in many activities, including NHS, SNHS, APPI, Z-Club, and, most notably, she was the Head Coordinator for the MHS Charity Program. Additionally, Mallory also worked for the school as an AVID Tutor. Mallory played soccer for four years, and football and tennis for three years. She was captain of the soccer and tennis teams since her junior year. After high school, she plans to attend SWOCC for her associate's degree, then transfer to a four-year college to earn her bachelor's degree and teaching license and become a teacher. Valedictorian Abby Erb grew up in Coos Bay with her parents Greg Erb and Lillian Erb. Abby participated in Science National Honor Society, where she was the treasurer and the Marshfield Charity Program, where she was a winner of the annual fundraising pageant. She was also a member of the cross-country team, and swim team, where she was the captain. Next year she has plans to go to Oregon State University and study electrical and computer engineering. Valedictorian Charlie Hatch was born in Murray, Utah and raised in Coos Bay, Oregon, by his parents Brent and Sarah Hatch. He is the older brother of Alvin, Savannah, Izzy, Aria, and Lily. Charlie has played classical piano for eight years and won multiple musical competitions. He was involved in National Honor Society, serving as president his senior year. He also participated in Science National Honor Society, Z-Club, and the MHS Charity Program. He competed in cross country and track and field for 3 years, and Swimming for 2 years. Charlie will serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the João Pessoa, Brazil Mission, beginning in September, then will attend Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah to major in Physics. Valedictorian Reanna Mathias was born in Flagstaff, Arizona and raised in Coos Bay, Oregon by her parents, Natalie Smith and Adam Mathias, along with her five older siblings. She was a member of Z-club all four years of high school, serving as the president, vice-president, and secretary. She was also a member of SNHS, Charity Program, AAPI, and NHS of which she was the publicist during her senior year. She was a varsity tennis player throughout her high school career and was team captain for two years. She was also a varsity cross country runner for one year. After graduation she plans to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and attend Brigham Young University to get her bachelor’s degree in nursing. Valedictorian Kayleigh Schroder was born in California and now lives in North Bend with her parents, Sarah and Alex Schroder, and siblings Euan and Elora. Throughout high school, Kayleigh balanced membership in the National Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars with participation in theater, cheer, and veterinary work, as well as competing in international video game art competitions. After graduation, Kayleigh will pursue an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree before transferring to a university to study Graphic Design. She aims to become a video editor and manga artist, while also earning her veterinary technician license to eventually open a doggy daycare. Chandler Wyatt is a native of Coos Bay, Oregon. His parents are BJ and Elizabeth Wyatt, and his sister is Kindall. Chandler was a four-year ASB leadership member, and a three-sport athlete since the 3rd grade, enjoying football, basketball, and track. He was also a Science National Honor Society Member, and part of the Charity Program. Chandler has been named Student of the Month several times and was awarded Student of the Year in the subjects of history, math, and Spanish, along with recognition of several athletic achievements. Chandler has been admitted into the Lundquist College of Business at the University of Oregon and will begin taking classes in the fall. Salutatorian Angeles Gabriel-Kutsch, daughter of Natasha Kutsch and Ronny Gabriel Mendoza, was born in Newport, Oregon, and currently resides in Coos Bay, where she lives with her grandmother, Terresa Johnson, and her sister, Jasmine Gabriel-Kutsch. She is also the sister of Sebastian Gabriel-Kutsch and Fabiola Rodriguez. Angeles is a first-generation college student pursuing higher education. Throughout high school, Angeles has demonstrated strong academic achievement and leadership while remaining actively involved in her school and community. She is graduating with both an Honors Diploma and her AAOT (Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer Degree). Angeles is also a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and a recipient of The Ford Family Foundation Scholarship. During her four years of high school, Angeles participated in Z-Club, Key Club, Latin X Club, National Honor Society, and TRIO. She was also involved in girls’ basketball, volleyball, and track & field during her early years of high school. Following graduation, Angeles plans to attend Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls to pursue a pre-medical track in Biology Health Science. She then plans to continue her education at OHSU with the goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint replacement surgery.Photos from Marshfield High School's post
Marshfield High School Class of 2026 Valedictorians and Salutatorian. Valedictorian Maya Aguirre was born and raised in Coos Bay, Oregon by her parents, Amy and Joe Aguirre. Maya was involved in many school activities, including National Honor Society, where she was a member for three years. She was also a member of Science National Honor Society, where she was an officer for two years, and part of the MHS dance team and Varsity softball, serving as a captain for two years. Additionally, Maya was part of the MHS Charity Program and earned her Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree from Southwestern Community College. Maya plans to study Pediatric Occupational Therapy, with a major in Psychology, to later return home and pursue her career as a POT. Valedictorian Mallory Edd was born and raised in Coos Bay, Oregon, by her parents, Amelia and Trevor Edd. She is the older sister of Sheldon Edd. Mallory was involved in many activities, including NHS, SNHS, APPI, Z-Club, and, most notably, she was the Head Coordinator for the MHS Charity Program. Additionally, Mallory also worked for the school as an AVID Tutor. Mallory played soccer for four years, and football and tennis for three years. She was captain of the soccer and tennis teams since her junior year. After high school, she plans to attend SWOCC for her associate's degree, then transfer to a four-year college to earn her bachelor's degree and teaching license and become a teacher. Valedictorian Abby Erb grew up in Coos Bay with her parents Greg Erb and Lillian Erb. Abby participated in Science National Honor Society, where she was the treasurer and the Marshfield Charity Program, where she was a winner of the annual fundraising pageant. She was also a member of the cross-country team, and swim team, where she was the captain. Next year she has plans to go to Oregon State University and study electrical and computer engineering. Valedictorian Charlie Hatch was born in Murray, Utah and raised in Coos Bay, Oregon, by his parents Brent and Sarah Hatch. He is the older brother of Alvin, Savannah, Izzy, Aria, and Lily. Charlie has played classical piano for eight years and won multiple musical competitions. He was involved in National Honor Society, serving as president his senior year. He also participated in Science National Honor Society, Z-Club, and the MHS Charity Program. He competed in cross country and track and field for 3 years, and Swimming for 2 years. Charlie will serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the João Pessoa, Brazil Mission, beginning in September, then will attend Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah to major in Physics. Valedictorian Reanna Mathias was born in Flagstaff, Arizona and raised in Coos Bay, Oregon by her parents, Natalie Smith and Adam Mathias, along with her five older siblings. She was a member of Z-club all four years of high school, serving as the president, vice-president, and secretary. She was also a member of SNHS, Charity Program, AAPI, and NHS of which she was the publicist during her senior year. She was a varsity tennis player throughout her high school career and was team captain for two years. She was also a varsity cross country runner for one year. After graduation she plans to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and attend Brigham Young University to get her bachelor’s degree in nursing. Valedictorian Kayleigh Schroder was born in California and now lives in North Bend with her parents, Sarah and Alex Schroder, and siblings Euan and Elora. Throughout high school, Kayleigh balanced membership in the National Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars with participation in theater, cheer, and veterinary work, as well as competing in international video game art competitions. After graduation, Kayleigh will pursue an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree before transferring to a university to study Graphic Design. She aims to become a video editor and manga artist, while also earning her veterinary technician license to eventually open a doggy daycare. Chandler Wyatt is a native of Coos Bay, Oregon. His parents are BJ and Elizabeth Wyatt, and his sister is Kindall. Chandler was a four-year ASB leadership member, and a three-sport athlete since the 3rd grade, enjoying football, basketball, and track. He was also a Science National Honor Society Member, and part of the Charity Program. Chandler has been named Student of the Month several times and was awarded Student of the Year in the subjects of history, math, and Spanish, along with recognition of several athletic achievements. Chandler has been admitted into the Lundquist College of Business at the University of Oregon and will begin taking classes in the fall. Salutatorian Angeles Gabriel-Kutsch, daughter of Natasha Kutsch and Ronny Gabriel Mendoza, was born in Newport, Oregon, and currently resides in Coos Bay, where she lives with her grandmother, Terresa Johnson, and her sister, Jasmine Gabriel-Kutsch. She is also the sister of Sebastian Gabriel-Kutsch and Fabiola Rodriguez. Angeles is a first-generation college student pursuing higher education. Throughout high school, Angeles has demonstrated strong academic achievement and leadership while remaining actively involved in her school and community. She is graduating with both an Honors Diploma and her AAOT (Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer Degree). Angeles is also a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and a recipient of The Ford Family Foundation Scholarship. During her four years of high school, Angeles participated in Z-Club, Key Club, Latin X Club, National Honor Society, and TRIO. She was also involved in girls’ basketball, volleyball, and track & field during her early years of high school. Following graduation, Angeles plans to attend Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls to pursue a pre-medical track in Biology Health Science. She then plans to continue her education at OHSU with the goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint replacement surgery.Photos from Marshfield High School's post
Marshfield High School Class of 2026 Valedictorians and Salutatorian. Valedictorian Maya Aguirre was born and raised in Coos Bay, Oregon by her parents, Amy and Joe Aguirre. Maya was involved in many school activities, including National Honor Society, where she was a member for three years. She was also a member of Science National Honor Society, where she was an officer for two years, and part of the MHS dance team and Varsity softball, serving as a captain for two years. Additionally, Maya was part of the MHS Charity Program and earned her Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree from Southwestern Community College. Maya plans to study Pediatric Occupational Therapy, with a major in Psychology, to later return home and pursue her career as a POT. Valedictorian Mallory Edd was born and raised in Coos Bay, Oregon, by her parents, Amelia and Trevor Edd. She is the older sister of Sheldon Edd. Mallory was involved in many activities, including NHS, SNHS, APPI, Z-Club, and, most notably, she was the Head Coordinator for the MHS Charity Program. Additionally, Mallory also worked for the school as an AVID Tutor. Mallory played soccer for four years, and football and tennis for three years. She was captain of the soccer and tennis teams since her junior year. After high school, she plans to attend SWOCC for her associate's degree, then transfer to a four-year college to earn her bachelor's degree and teaching license and become a teacher. Valedictorian Abby Erb grew up in Coos Bay with her parents Greg Erb and Lillian Erb. Abby participated in Science National Honor Society, where she was the treasurer and the Marshfield Charity Program, where she was a winner of the annual fundraising pageant. She was also a member of the cross-country team, and swim team, where she was the captain. Next year she has plans to go to Oregon State University and study electrical and computer engineering. Valedictorian Charlie Hatch was born in Murray, Utah and raised in Coos Bay, Oregon, by his parents Brent and Sarah Hatch. He is the older brother of Alvin, Savannah, Izzy, Aria, and Lily. Charlie has played classical piano for eight years and won multiple musical competitions. He was involved in National Honor Society, serving as president his senior year. He also participated in Science National Honor Society, Z-Club, and the MHS Charity Program. He competed in cross country and track and field for 3 years, and Swimming for 2 years. Charlie will serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the João Pessoa, Brazil Mission, beginning in September, then will attend Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah to major in Physics. Valedictorian Reanna Mathias was born in Flagstaff, Arizona and raised in Coos Bay, Oregon by her parents, Natalie Smith and Adam Mathias, along with her five older siblings. She was a member of Z-club all four years of high school, serving as the president, vice-president, and secretary. She was also a member of SNHS, Charity Program, AAPI, and NHS of which she was the publicist during her senior year. She was a varsity tennis player throughout her high school career and was team captain for two years. She was also a varsity cross country runner for one year. After graduation she plans to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and attend Brigham Young University to get her bachelor’s degree in nursing. Valedictorian Kayleigh Schroder was born in California and now lives in North Bend with her parents, Sarah and Alex Schroder, and siblings Euan and Elora. Throughout high school, Kayleigh balanced membership in the National Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars with participation in theater, cheer, and veterinary work, as well as competing in international video game art competitions. After graduation, Kayleigh will pursue an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree before transferring to a university to study Graphic Design. She aims to become a video editor and manga artist, while also earning her veterinary technician license to eventually open a doggy daycare. Chandler Wyatt is a native of Coos Bay, Oregon. His parents are BJ and Elizabeth Wyatt, and his sister is Kindall. Chandler was a four-year ASB leadership member, and a three-sport athlete since the 3rd grade, enjoying football, basketball, and track. He was also a Science National Honor Society Member, and part of the Charity Program. Chandler has been named Student of the Month several times and was awarded Student of the Year in the subjects of history, math, and Spanish, along with recognition of several athletic achievements. Chandler has been admitted into the Lundquist College of Business at the University of Oregon and will begin taking classes in the fall. Salutatorian Angeles Gabriel-Kutsch, daughter of Natasha Kutsch and Ronny Gabriel Mendoza, was born in Newport, Oregon, and currently resides in Coos Bay, where she lives with her grandmother, Terresa Johnson, and her sister, Jasmine Gabriel-Kutsch. She is also the sister of Sebastian Gabriel-Kutsch and Fabiola Rodriguez. Angeles is a first-generation college student pursuing higher education. Throughout high school, Angeles has demonstrated strong academic achievement and leadership while remaining actively involved in her school and community. She is graduating with both an Honors Diploma and her AAOT (Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer Degree). Angeles is also a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and a recipient of The Ford Family Foundation Scholarship. During her four years of high school, Angeles participated in Z-Club, Key Club, Latin X Club, National Honor Society, and TRIO. She was also involved in girls’ basketball, volleyball, and track & field during her early years of high school. Following graduation, Angeles plans to attend Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls to pursue a pre-medical track in Biology Health Science. She then plans to continue her education at OHSU with the goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint replacement surgery.Photos from Marshfield High School's post

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