New rates for 2023/2024
Each year, NW Natural files a Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) to reflect changes in the expected cost of natural gas for the upcoming winter heating season and account for the differences between the estimated and actual cost of natural gas from the previous year. NW Natural does not mark-up the price of gas; the PGA is a passthrough of costs for the wholesale price and delivery of natural gas.
Oregon
Oregon rates
Most NW Natural customers in Oregon saw lower bills stating November 1, 2023 because of lower wholesale prices of natural gas. As approved by the Oregon Public Utilities Commission (OPUC), residential rates went down by about $8 a month for customers using an average of 56 therms per month. Small-commercial rates went down by about $25. Large industrial firm rates went down by $1,941, and large industrial interruptible rates went down by $4,199.
Separately, on December 29, 2023, NW Natural filed a general rate increase with the OPUC. The proposed increase will cover costs associated with operating and maintaining the company’s natural gas distribution system and continuing to provide safe and reliable service to customers. If the current request is approved as filed, residential customers using an average of 55 therms per month would see a monthly bill increase of about $14.38. The filing will not affect customer bills this winter, but if approved by the OPUC will likely take effect Nov. 1, 2024.
Washington
Washington rates
Most NW Natural customers in Washington saw temporary bill reductions starting November 1 because of lower wholesale prices of natural gas. As approved by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC), residential rates were down by about $13 a month for customers using an average of 58 therms per month. Small-commercial rates were down by about $26, large industrial firm rates were down by $2,901 and large industrial interruptible rates decreased by $2,701.
Separately, the WUTC recently approved a request to recover costs associated with a new climate program adopted by the Washington Department of Ecology. Rate increases to comply with the state-mandated Cap and Invest Program differ based on several factors according to state rules. NW Natural’s residential bill discount program, which provides bill discounts to income-qualified customers, was also recently approved by the WUTC and took effect on January 1, 2024.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my rates changing now?
Does NW Natural mark-up the price of natural gas?
What is NW Natural doing to manage costs for customers?
It seems like the cost of everything is increasing right now and I’m concerned about paying my bill. What programs do you have?
How is my gas bill calculated?
Where can I learn more about new state-mandated climate policies?