Natural gas prices will jump significantly as a cold winter arrives in Whatcom County
Whatcom County residents are going to see much higher natural gas bills just as a cold winter is expected to arrive.
On Thursday, Oct. 28, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission approved price increases for all four of the state’s natural gas utilities.
The price increases will take effect on Monday, Nov. 1, according to a news release from the commission. In Whatcom County, the typical Cascade Natural Gas residential customer using 56 therms a month will see an increase of 17.57% or $9.85, for an average monthly bill of $65.90.
The commission cited several reasons for the increase, including the slowing of production of natural gas during the COVID-19 pandemic while demand has increased.
The adjustments come based on what is happening on the wholesale market. Companies like Cascade do not profit from or lose money on gas purchases.
The rise in natural gas prices comes after several years of being at relatively inexpensive levels, according to a recent article from The Associated Press. The need for assistance through the winter will likely grow for low-income families across the U.S., with federal unemployment aid having recently run out, according to the article.
This rate increase comes during what is expected to be a La Nina weather pattern this winter, with forecast models predicting lower-than-average temperatures and higher-than-average rainfall through at least December.
Cascade Natural Gas recently ended its suspension of disconnections policy. Cascade has details on assistance programs on its website for those who have past due notices and are experiencing financial hardships.
