If you've opened your Pacific Power bill this month, you've probably noticed an increase. The Oregon Public Utilities Commission approved the 14% rate increase back in December, but it took effect this month. Jan Mitchell with Pacific Power insists the increase was necessary: “We understand it’s a difficult time for an increase, but we're required to investment in our system for the long term. These investments have been in works for a long time. They will serve our customers for decades to come.” Critics, like the watchdog agency "Citizens Utility Board" feel the customer increases should have been more spread out.