Docket number: UG-210755
Editor’s note: This news release reflects the position of staff of the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) and NOT the views of the three-member commission. It discusses an agreement that the commissioners have not yet reviewed. Any positions taken or comments offered by the commission staff regarding this proceeding should be attributed clearly to staff members and NOT to the UTC.
Public invited to comment on Cascade Natural Gas rate settlement
LACEY, Wash. - The Utilities and Transportation Commission is holding a public comment hearing on May 25 to request feedback on a $10.7 million proposed revenue increase and settlement agreement for Cascade Natural Gas.
The three-member commission, which is not bound by the agreement, will make a final decision on the utility’s revenue-increase request this summer.
WHAT
Virtual-only public comment hearing
WHO
Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission
WHEN and WHERE
Wednesday, May 25
6 p.m.
Participate by:
- Zoom (recommended)
- Phone at 253-215-8782 using:
- Conference ID 929 6591 0126#
- Passcode 860071#
If you can’t attend virtually, you can also submit public comments:
- online,
- by telephone at 888-333-9882,
- by email at comments@utc.wa.gov, and
- by mail to P.O. Box 47250
Translation services are available at no cost to you. If possible, please inform the commission at least one business day prior to the meeting by calling 360-664-1140, or by sending an email to paige.doyle@utc.wa.gov.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to attend the meeting, please contact the UTC at least one business day prior by calling 360-664-1132 or emailing human_resources@utc.wa.gov.
BACKGROUND
In September 2021, Cascade Natural Gas submitted a rate increase request of $13.7 million (11.1%) to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. The company limited its request to a few major items, including capital additions that came into service since the beginning of the company’s last rate case, and wage increases that went into effect in 2021.
In March 2022, UTC staff announced a full multiparty settlement agreement with the company, reducing the requested amount by $3 million.
The Energy Project, the Alliance of Western Energy Customers, and the Public Counsel Section of the Attorney General’s Office — who participates in UTC proceedings on behalf of customers — all oppose the settlement agreement.
Kennewick-based Cascade Natural Gas Corporation serves almost 230,000 residential and business customers in 68 communities throughout the state, including Aberdeen, Bellingham, Bremerton, Kennewick, Longview, Moses Lake, Mount Vernon, Walla Walla, Wenatchee, and Yakima.
The UTC is the state agency that regulates private, investor-owned electric and 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.
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Editor’s note: The full multiparty settlement agreement is available on the UTC’s website in Docket UG-210755.