By Taxpayers Association of Oregon Foundation
People using natural gas in Oregon may see their rates increase by double digits—between 16 percent and 36 percent—if three private companies distributing their fuel receive approval from the Public Utility Commission, according to the Portland Business Journal. The investor-owned companies citing higher wholesale prices for natural gas want the residential and commercial rate increases to take effect Nov. 1.
NW Natural, which serves the majority of Oregon natural gas customers, increased rates last year by nearly 10 percent a year ago. The increase would also affect customers served by Cascade Natural Gas and Avista.
If the new increase is approved, NW Natural customers—80 percent of those in Oregon—would see rates increase 42.4 percent since October 2021, according to Citizens’ Utility Board representing ratepayers.
Electricity rates are also rising but not as dramatically.
