New Rates for Washington Customers Take Effect Nov. 1
First rate case in more than 10 years reaches conclusion
Media contact: media@nwnatural.com; 503-818-9845 (pager)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 24, 2019
PORTLAND, Ore. — NW Natural customers in Washington state will have new rates starting November 1 that include the combined effects of a rate case and the annual Purchased Gas Adjustment, both recently approved by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.
Rates will increase $5.1 million to recover operating costs, investments in greater system reliability and resiliency, and historical energy efficiency program costs. For the average residential customer, this equates to about $3 or 6.2% more per month. The average small business will have about an $11.30 or 5.8% increase per month. It has been more than a decade since NW Natural’s last rate case in Washington.
Additionally, the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA), which trues-up of the prior year’s natural gas purchases and projects the cost of natural gas for the year ahead, will result in $2.25 or 4.6% more a month for the average residential customer, and about $9.75 or 4.9% increase for the average small business.
All total, the average residential customer in Washington will pay about $5.25 more per month. Average monthly bill calculations are based on residential usage of 57 therms per month and small business usage of 248 therms per month. The effect of rate changes may vary for individual customers depending on their customer category, usage and other factors.
NW Natural serves about 85,000 customers in Southwest Washington. Those needing more information about the new rates can visit the Rates and Regulations section of nwnatural.com or call 503-226-4211. Customers can also reach our Customer Contact Center at the same phone number for information about flexible payment plans and low income assistance.
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. For more information, visit nwnatural.com.
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. For more information, visit nwnatural.com.