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News Release

PUC Seeks Public Comment On Cascade Natural Gas' Proposed Rate Increase - 02/25/26

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) will host a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 6-7 p.m. PST. This meeting gives customers a chance to share their thoughts on Cascade Natural Gas Corporation’s proposal to raise customer rates. Earlier that day, PUC staff will hold a virtual workshop from 2-4 p.m. to give customers an opportunity to learn more about the proposed rate increase and ask questions.

 

Cascade Natural Gas filed a request with the PUC to increase the amount of money it collects from customers by $16.4 million or 15.82 percent. If the request is approved, a typical residential customer using an average 59 therms of natural gas per month would see their bill increase by about $11.07 (from $63.63 to $74.70 per month). Actual bill changes will vary depending on customer type (residential, commercial or industrial), how much gas is used, and the rate each customer pays.

 

Cascade Natural Gas reported the increase is needed to pay for system safety and reliability improvements, and growing operations and maintenance costs.

 

This is the company’s first general rate case since 2020. The filing is undergoing a nearly year-long review by the PUC, the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board, and other stakeholders. This public meeting is part of the review. The PUC Commissioners will make a final decision in October of this year. The Commissioners may approve or modify Cascade Natural Gas’ request and will only approve rate increases if fully justified by the company. Any new rates would take effect October 26, 2026.

 

Informational Workshop

When: Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 2-4 p.m. PST

 

This virtual/phone-in workshop provides an opportunity to learn about Cascade Natural Gas’ proposal and ask questions of PUC staff. This session is informational only; public comments will not be taken.

 

Zoom link and phone-in details: https://bit.ly/4s1tjTk

 

Ways to Comment

Community members can share their comments on Cascade Natural Gas’ rate request in several ways.

 

Comment at the virtual public meeting

When: Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 6-7 p.m. PST

 

This meeting may run past 7 p.m. to allow more people to comment. The Commission will work to provide an opportunity to comment for those who join before 7 p.m. The meeting will end at 7 p.m. if no members of the public are waiting to speak. To ensure time to comment, please join as close to 6 p.m. as possible.  This event will not be livestreamed.

 

Zoom link and phone-in details: https://bit.ly/4kRYXQQ

 

Spanish translation services are offered at no charge for community convenience. To access translation services, sign in to Zoom and choose English or Spanish at the bottom of the screen. Translation is not supported for participants joining by phone.

 

Other ways to comment

Please submit comments by June 15, 2026, using one of the following options:

Stay Informed

To receive updates and public documents related to this case, request to be added to the distribution list. Email puc.hearings@puc.oregon.gov or call 503-378-6678. Please include Docket No. UG 525 in the request.

 

# # #

 

Cascade Natural Gas General Rate Case: Docket # UG 525

 

The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) regulates customer rates and services of the state’s investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities, including Portland General Electric, Idaho Power, Pacific Power, Avista, Cascade Natural, and NW Natural. The PUC also regulates landline telephone providers and select water companies. The PUC’s mission is to ensure Oregonians have access to safe, reliable, and fairly priced utility services that advance state policy and promote the public interest. We use an inclusive process to evaluate differing viewpoints and visions of the public interest and arrive at balanced, well-reasoned, independent decisions supported by fact and law. For more information about the PUC, visit oregon.gov/puc.

 

PUC Seeks Public Comment On Cascade Natural Gas' Proposed Rate Increase - 02/25/26

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) will host a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 6-7 p.m. PST. This meeting gives customers a chance to share their thoughts on Cascade Natural Gas Corporation’s proposal to raise customer rates. Earlier that day, PUC staff will hold a virtual workshop from 2-4 p.m. to give customers an opportunity to learn more about the proposed rate increase and ask questions.

 

Cascade Natural Gas filed a request with the PUC to increase the amount of money it collects from customers by $16.4 million or 15.82 percent. If the request is approved, a typical residential customer using an average 59 therms of natural gas per month would see their bill increase by about $11.07 (from $63.63 to $74.70 per month). Actual bill changes will vary depending on customer type (residential, commercial or industrial), how much gas is used, and the rate each customer pays.

 

Cascade Natural Gas reported the increase is needed to pay for system safety and reliability improvements, and growing operations and maintenance costs.

 

This is the company’s first general rate case since 2020. The filing is undergoing a nearly year-long review by the PUC, the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board, and other stakeholders. This public meeting is part of the review. The PUC Commissioners will make a final decision in October of this year. The Commissioners may approve or modify Cascade Natural Gas’ request and will only approve rate increases if fully justified by the company. Any new rates would take effect October 26, 2026.

 

Informational Workshop

When: Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 2-4 p.m. PST

 

This virtual/phone-in workshop provides an opportunity to learn about Cascade Natural Gas’ proposal and ask questions of PUC staff. This session is informational only; public comments will not be taken.

 

Zoom link and phone-in details: https://bit.ly/4s1tjTk

 

Ways to Comment

Community members can share their comments on Cascade Natural Gas’ rate request in several ways.

 

Comment at the virtual public meeting

When: Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 6-7 p.m. PST

 

This meeting may run past 7 p.m. to allow more people to comment. The Commission will work to provide an opportunity to comment for those who join before 7 p.m. The meeting will end at 7 p.m. if no members of the public are waiting to speak. To ensure time to comment, please join as close to 6 p.m. as possible.  This event will not be livestreamed.

 

Zoom link and phone-in details: https://bit.ly/4kRYXQQ

 

Spanish translation services are offered at no charge for community convenience. To access translation services, sign in to Zoom and choose English or Spanish at the bottom of the screen. Translation is not supported for participants joining by phone.

 

Other ways to comment

Please submit comments by June 15, 2026, using one of the following options:

Stay Informed

To receive updates and public documents related to this case, request to be added to the distribution list. Email puc.hearings@puc.oregon.gov or call 503-378-6678. Please include Docket No. UG 525 in the request.

 

# # #

 

Cascade Natural Gas General Rate Case: Docket # UG 525

 

The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) regulates customer rates and services of the state’s investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities, including Portland General Electric, Idaho Power, Pacific Power, Avista, Cascade Natural, and NW Natural. The PUC also regulates landline telephone providers and select water companies. The PUC’s mission is to ensure Oregonians have access to safe, reliable, and fairly priced utility services that advance state policy and promote the public interest. We use an inclusive process to evaluate differing viewpoints and visions of the public interest and arrive at balanced, well-reasoned, independent decisions supported by fact and law. For more information about the PUC, visit oregon.gov/puc.