May 28, 2009
Docket Number: UG-090684

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Customers of Northwest Natural Gas Co. (NWNG) will receive a refund next month due to the fall in wholesale market prices, state regulators announced today.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) approved the company’s request to issue a one-time credit to NWNG natural gas customers on his or her June utility bills. A sharp decline in wholesale natural gas prices prompted the $4.3 million credit to Washington residential, commercial and industrial customers.

The typical NWNG residential customer who uses 490 therms from November through March will receive a credit of approximately $46 on the June bill. Commercial customers who use 417 therms over the same five-month period will be issued a $195 refund. Customer refunds are based on actual usage.

Natural gas companies adjust rates periodically to reflect changes in wholesale prices. NWNG also expects to lock in lower-priced natural gas supplies for winter and file for an additional rate reduction in November.

Headquartered in Portland, Ore., NWNG serves 67,862 residential and business customers in Clark, Skamania and Klickitat counties in Washington state.

The three-member state commission regulates the private, investor-owned natural gas utilities in Washington. It is the commission’s responsibility to ensure regulated companies provide safe and reliable service to customers at reasonable rates, while allowing them the opportunity to earn a fair profit.