(Salem, OR) -- Residential customers of Portland General Electric will see power bills increase five-and-a-half percent starting New Year's Day. The Oregon Public Utility Commission says the average increase for residential and businesses combined will be three-point-three percent. PGE wanted a seven-point-four percent increase. The rate increase is due to investments the company is making in the power grid. Because the increase is happening during the winter, PGE can't disconnect power to medical certificate holders or discount program participants until March 31.