NW Natural Files Annual Rate Adjustment for Washington
Media contact: media@nwnatural.com; 503-818-9845 (pager)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2019
PORTLAND, Ore. — NW Natural has filed its Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) request with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) for new rates for Washington customers. The annual PGA filing reflects two rate adjustments related to the cost of natural gas.
- A true-up of the prior year’s natural gas purchases.
- The cost of natural gas projected for the year ahead.
NW Natural’s PGA request includes the following rate adjustments for Washington customers:
- Rates for residential customers using 57 therms per month will be about $2.45 more a month.
- Rates for small-commercial customers using 248 therms per month will be about $10.44 more a month.
Rate adjustments vary between types of customers because of differences in their rate structures.
For the year ahead, the cost of gas is once again projected to be lower due to the abundant, domestic supply of natural gas. In fact, the actual cost of gas is less than it was 15 years ago. For customers, those savings are offset by last year’s purchases which lead to a slight increase in their overall rate. This is the first price increase for residential customers after four consecutive years of rate reductions.
“Natural gas continues to be an affordable and efficient energy source. One that provides great value for our region’s energy system,” said David H. Anderson, NW Natural president and CEO. “We’re grateful to continue to serve our 750,000 customers, especially as we celebrate our 160th year of doing business.”
In addition to the PGA request, Washington rates will be adjusted as a result of NW Natural’s pending general rate case. The combined effects of these requests will determine new rates for Washington, starting on November 1.
Public comment
NW Natural’s filings are requests, subject to public review and a decision by the WUTC. Customers may submit comments on the proposed changes at www.utc.wa.gov “Submit a Comment,” comments@utc.wa.gov, 1-888-333-9882, or WUTC, PO Box 47250, Olympia, WA 98504-7250. Customers can also request more information, review the filing, and find out about open meetings.
NW Natural’s filings are requests, subject to public review and a decision by the WUTC. Customers may submit comments on the proposed changes at www.utc.wa.gov “Submit a Comment,” comments@utc.wa.gov, 1-888-333-9882, or WUTC, PO Box 47250, Olympia, WA 98504-7250. Customers can also request more information, review the filing, and find out about open meetings.
For more information, visit the Rates and Regulations section of nwnatural.com or call 503-226-4211 and ask for the Rates & Regulatory Department.
About NW Natural
NW Natural provides natural gas service to approximately two million people in more than 140 communities through 750,000 meters in Oregon and Southwest Washington with one of the most modern pipeline systems in the nation. It consistently leads the industry with high J.D. Power & Associates customer satisfaction scores. NW Natural is part of Northwest Natural Holding Company, (NYSE: NWN) (NW Natural Holdings), which is headquartered in Portland, Oregon and owns NW Natural, NW Natural Water Company, and other business interests and activities.
NW Natural provides natural gas service to approximately two million people in more than 140 communities through 750,000 meters in Oregon and Southwest Washington with one of the most modern pipeline systems in the nation. It consistently leads the industry with high J.D. Power & Associates customer satisfaction scores. NW Natural is part of Northwest Natural Holding Company, (NYSE: NWN) (NW Natural Holdings), which is headquartered in Portland, Oregon and owns NW Natural, NW Natural Water Company, and other business interests and activities.