NW Natural rates took effect; $6.30 estimate assumes 54 therms

NW Natural’s new residential rates took effect Oct. 31, with the Oregon Public Utility Commission estimating an increase of about $6.30 a month, or 7.3%, for a customer using 54 therms monthly. Beaverton residential customers are among those affected, according to local reporting.

The 54-therm figure is a usage benchmark, not a flat surcharge. The PUC says actual bill impacts vary with energy use. Customers can compare their monthly use with 54 therms for context, but that comparison alone does not predict an individual bill. The estimate covers combined changes, including the annual Purchased Gas Adjustment, changes associated with the Alternative Rate Mechanism and capital-project cost recovery; it is not an estimate for any one of those items alone.

NW Natural’s compliance filing lists residential schedules as effective Oct. 31 and remaining schedules, including nonresidential schedules, as effective Nov. 1. Those remaining schedules are now in effect, one day after residential rates began.