KENNEWICK, WASH. – Aug. 31, 2017 – Capital investment in pipeline replacement projects enhancing the safety and integrity of the natural gas system, as well as increased cost to operate and maintain that system, are the main drivers in Cascade Natural Gas filing a request with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission today to increase prices. If approved, the request would increase a residential customer’s bill by an average of $2.09 a month.
“Our customers expect safe, reliable and affordable natural gas service, and so do we. To meet those expectations, we have invested in our infrastructure to provide our customers with the best value possible,” said Nicole Kivisto, president and CEO of Cascade. “I believe we have the best employees in the business and every day they work extremely hard at watching our operating expenses and looking for ways to be more efficient without compromising the safety of our employees or our customers.”
This proposed increase is for $5.9 million over current annual revenues, or a 2.7 percent overall increase. Cascade serves about 210,000 customers in 65 Washington communities.
The proposed increase for each customer group, taking into consideration studies to determine the full cost to serve each customer group, is:
– Residential 4.41 percent
– Transportation and interruptible 6.7 percent
Increases are not proposed for the other customer groups because they are adequately covering the cost to provide service under current prices.
The company last filed for a price increase in December 2015. The UTC approved an increase of $4 million annually, or a 1.6 percent overall increase.
Cascade encourages customers to use energy wisely. Conservation tips, information on energy assistance and information on the company’s budget payment plan can be found on Cascade’s website: www.cngc.com.