NW Natural customers will likely see their rates go up starting in November. Residential customers using an average of 57 therms per month will see rates go up by about $11.75 per month. Small commercial companies using an average of 242 therms per month will see an increase of about $50.14 per month.
The company is increasing rates to “true-up differences between estimated and actual natural gas costs,” read a statement to the press. NW Natural filed an annual Purchased Gas Adjustment with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission Sept. 14. Rates will also be impacted by a separate NW Natural general rate case filed with the commission last year.
The rate hike “comes at a time of increases in the wholesale cost of natural gas due to inflationary pressures, global disruption and overall fluctuations in the energy market,” read the statement. “Changes also include other year-to-year adjustments and costs approved by regulators.”
NW Natural’s filings are requests, subject to public review and a decision by the commission. Customers may comment on the proposed rate changes by clicking “Submit a Comment” at www.utc.wa.gov, emailing comments@utc.wa.gov, calling 1-888-333-9882, or mailing Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, PO Box 47250, Olympia, WA 98504-7250. Customers can also request more information, review the filing, and find out about open meetings.
