The wholesale price of natural gas continues to drop, and Cascade Natural Gas customers will see some savings this winter.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission announced Thursday, Oct. 25, that the average Cascade residential customer will get a 6.5 percent savings on monthly bills this winter, or about $4 a month. Those numbers are based on a monthly usage of 57 therms.

The commission requires natural gas companies to adjust rates periodically to reflect changes in wholesale prices. More than half to about two-thirds of a customer's monthly bill is attributable to the cost of natural gas, and the company is not allowed to earn a profit on it. The remaining portion covers the cost of delivering the natural gas.

Cascade supplies natural gas service to Bellingham and other portions of Whatcom County where service is available.

Reach JOHN STARK at john.stark@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2274.