Most NW Natural customers saw lower rates on their bills starting November 1. However, Oregon and Washington are both implementing new climate policies that may affect your bill.
As of Nov. 1, 2023, the new annual sales Weighted Average Cost of Gas (WACOG) in Oregon are $0.44732 per therm, compared to the previous $0.50715; the winter sales WACOG in Oregon are $0.49005 per therm, compared to the previous $0.61458.
The new annual sales WACOG in Washington are $0.47117 per therm, compared to the previous $ 0.46972; the winter sales WACOG in Washington are $0.51618 per therm, compared to the previous $0.56965. But in both Oregon and Washington, new climate programs will require natural gas distributors such as NW Natural, transportation (vehicle) fuel suppliers and large stationary sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in line with state-directed limits that decrease aggressively over time. Information on each state’s program is below.
Updates for Oregon’s Climate Protection Program
Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) implemented/enacted a new program regulating carbon that requires gas utilities to comply with an emissions cap on our customers’ behalf; that cap is set by DEQ. Compliance with the program requires us to purchase Community Climate Investments (CCIs), along with implementation of energy-efficiency measures and renewable natural gas. DEQ expects CCIs to be available for purchase by next year, at which time we may file any relevant costs incurred with the Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC) and share with customers. Learn more about DEQ’s program and its potential price impacts at nwnatural.com/CPP.
Updates for Washington’s Climate Commitment Act
Washington has a new climate program adopted through state law and implemented by the Washington Department of Ecology. NW Natural has filed for a rate adjustment with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) to recover costs associated with the program. While most customers saw a temporary bill reduction in November, many of those same customers will see an overall, year-over-year increase in bills starting January 1, 2024, once impacts from Washington’s state climate program take effect. You can find out more about Washington’s climate program at nwnatural.com/CCA.