Hearings set for possible natural gas rate increase

KENNEWICK — Customers of Cascade Natural Gas are being invited to submit comments on a proposed rate increase. If approved, the rate increase would go into effect on or before Aug. 1.

The company’s proposal would raise rates 4.41 percent for residential customers.

The average residential customer using 54 therms per month would pay an additional $2.09 per month, according to information from the company. A commercial customer using 10,241 therms per month would pay an additional $50.75 per month.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission will sponsor three public hearings on the request, one in Kennewick. It’s scheduled for 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 4 at the Kennewick City Council Chambers, 210 W. Eighth Ave. in Kennewick.

The other hearings are in Bremerton on March 20 and Kelso on March 28.

People also can submit comments on the WUTC website, www.utc.wa.gov, and click on “submit a comment.” Comments can be submitted by email at comments@utc.wa.gov or by phone at 888-333-9882. Comments also can be submitted in writing at WUTC, Box 47250, Olympia, WA 98504-7250. People should include name and mailing address, and reference Cascade Natural Gas Corporation, Docket UG-170929.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.