New Rates for Washington Customers Take Effect

Adjusted rates include approval of General Rate Case and Purchased Gas Adjustment

Media contact: media@nwnatural.com; 503-818-9845 (pager)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 1, 2021

Portland, Ore. – NW Natural customers in Washington have new rates that include the combined effects of a rate case and the annual Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA), both recently approved by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC).

In total, the impacts of both adjustments mean Washington customers can expect to see new rates on monthly bills starting November 1:

• Rates for residential customers in Washington will be about $9.15 more a month for customers using an average of 57 therms per month.
• Rates for small-commercial customers in Washington will be about $36.74 more a month for customers using an average of 236 therms per month.

Why the rate change?

The Purchased Gas Adjustment reflects a pass-through of natural gas commodity costs to customers. The changes are driven by multiple factors, including economy-wide supply and demand impacts during the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with higher prices experienced during last winter’s heating season.

In addition to the commodity cost, the approval of the Washington rate case recovers operating costs and investments in greater system reliability and resiliency.

Natural gas continues to be an affordable and efficient source of energy. NW Natural customers are still paying nearly 30% less today for their bills than they did 15 years ago, due to lower commodity costs coupled with efficient operations and energy-efficiency measures.

More ways to save

Taking a whole-house approach to energy efficiency will help you get the most out of your monthly bill and keep your home at its peak comfort level. Free and low-cost improvements can reduce your energy consumption and your payments, especially in the cold winter months. For ways to save energy, visit: https://www.nwnatural.com/ways-to-save/manage-energy-use.

And during this challenging time, customers that need help making a past-due payment can contact NW Natural’s Customer Service department to discuss options. Financial assistance grants may also be available. Learn more at https://www.nwnatural.com/account/payment-assistance.

For more information, visit the Rates and Regulations section of nwnatural.com.