Public invited to comment on Northwest Natural Gas rate increase proposal

PHCCWA News,

- April 16, 2026 -
Media contact: media@utc.wa.gov or 360-664-1116 
Docket numbers: UG-250610

MEDIA ADVISORY: Public invited to comment on Northwest Natural Gas rate increase proposal

LACEY, Wash. — The Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) is holding a virtual public comment hearing on April 30 to gather input on the Northwest Natural Gas Company (NW Natural) proposed three-year rate increase plan.

WHO

Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission

WHAT

Virtual public comment hearing

This gives customers a chance to share how the proposed change impacts them and their communities before the commission makes a final decision.

WHEN and WHERE

6 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2026

Join by Zoom (recommended) or by phone 253-215-8782 and use Meeting ID: 870 7619 4707# and Passcode: 880958#.

Any time while the case is open, you can also submit written comments:

  • online,
  • by telephone at 888-333-9882,
  • by email at comments@utc.wa.gov, and
  • by mail to P.O Box 47250, Olympia, WA 98504-7250

If you have trouble understanding English, you can request free language assistance services at least a week before the meeting. Contact us at 360-664-1193 or equity@utc.wa.gov.

To get hearing notices and updates about a company or case, ask to be added to the "interested persons" email list by emailing records@utc.wa.gov.

BACKGROUND

On Aug. 29, 2025, Northwest Natural Gas Company filed a general rate case proposing a three-year rate plan to increase rates in phases. If approved, the new rates would take effect on Aug. 1 of 2026, 2027, and 2028.

Proposed Rate Adjustments and Residential Bill Impacts:

Effective Date Revenue Increase Additional Revenue Estimated Monthly Bill Increase
Aug. 1, 2026 22.8% $25.6 million +$15.72
Aug. 1, 2027 6.2% $8.6 million +$4.56
Aug. 1, 2028 5.7% $8.3 million +$4.62


Note: Residential estimates are based on an average monthly usage of 55 therms.

About Northwest Natural

Portland-based NW Natural provides natural gas service to approximately two million people in more than 140 communities through 800,000 meters in Oregon and Southwest Washington.

About the UTC

The UTC regulates investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities in Washington. The commission ensures regulated companies provide safe, equitable, and reliable service to customers at reasonable rates, while earning a fair profit.

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Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission
621 Woodland Square Loop SE
Lacey, Washington 98503
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