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News Release

Oregon Public Utility Commission Approves Rate Changes And Program Updates For Cascade Natural Gas - 10/28/26

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission approved new rates and program updates for Cascade Natural Gas customers, effective October 31, 2026. The adjustments are the result of Cascade’s general rate case and its annual Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) filing, which updates customer rates based on changes in wholesale natural gas costs. The approval of the PGA is subject to further review and potential future customer refund. 

Customer impact 

Combining the impact of the general rate case and PGA filings, a typical residential customer using 57 therms a month can expect an increase of approximately $7.38 a month, or about 10.7 percent, beginning October 31, 2026.  

Reasons for adjustment 

Cascade’s general rate case includes costs for system upgrades, maintenance, environmental compliance, and updates to customer programs. The Commission approved three partial stipulations among the parties, resulting in a smaller increase than Cascade originally requested. The decision allows Cascade to recover the costs of new investments, update customer programs, and revise regulatory schedules that determine how costs are assigned to customers.

 

The PGA reflects what Cascade expects to pay for natural gas in the coming year and reconciles last year’s projected costs and actual expenses. It also includes program updates going into effect at the same time. These costs are passed through to customers without any added profit. This year’s PGA decrease is driven by wholesale natural gas prices and adjustments for lower gas use during last year’s unusually warm winter. 

Program and policy updates 

As part of the general rate case, the Commission also approved program changes, including: 

  • A three-year phase out of line extension allowances, which help offset the cost of connecting new residential and commercial customers to the natural gas system 
  • A new pilot program offering a $1,500 incentive to eligible customers who install qualifying heat pump equipment 
  • Updates to Cascade’s Climate Protection Program cost recovery schedules 

“Cascade’s filings involved complex issues, ranging from cost recovery to climate compliance,” said Commission Chair Letha Tawney. “These decisions balance customer impacts with Oregon’s energy and climate goals, and they improve transparency through required studies and future filings.” 

Manage energy use and bills 

  • Customers can explore rebates and energy saving tips through the Energy Trust of Oregon at www.energytrust.org. 
  • For assistance with bill payment options, customers can call Cascade Natural Gas or visit the company’s website. 

Cascade Natural Gas serves about 86,000 customers in central and eastern Oregon. 

 

# # # 

The Oregon Public Utility Commission regulates customer rates and services of the state’s investor owned electric and natural gas utilities. 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. For more information about the PUC, visit oregon.gov/puc. 

Oregon Public Utility Commission Approves Rate Changes And Program Updates For Cascade Natural Gas - 10/28/26

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission approved new rates and program updates for Cascade Natural Gas customers, effective October 31, 2026. The adjustments are the result of Cascade’s general rate case and its annual Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) filing, which updates customer rates based on changes in wholesale natural gas costs. The approval of the PGA is subject to further review and potential future customer refund. 

Customer impact 

Combining the impact of the general rate case and PGA filings, a typical residential customer using 57 therms a month can expect an increase of approximately $7.38 a month, or about 10.7 percent, beginning October 31, 2026.  

Reasons for adjustment 

Cascade’s general rate case includes costs for system upgrades, maintenance, environmental compliance, and updates to customer programs. The Commission approved three partial stipulations among the parties, resulting in a smaller increase than Cascade originally requested. The decision allows Cascade to recover the costs of new investments, update customer programs, and revise regulatory schedules that determine how costs are assigned to customers.

 

The PGA reflects what Cascade expects to pay for natural gas in the coming year and reconciles last year’s projected costs and actual expenses. It also includes program updates going into effect at the same time. These costs are passed through to customers without any added profit. This year’s PGA decrease is driven by wholesale natural gas prices and adjustments for lower gas use during last year’s unusually warm winter. 

Program and policy updates 

As part of the general rate case, the Commission also approved program changes, including: 

  • A three-year phase out of line extension allowances, which help offset the cost of connecting new residential and commercial customers to the natural gas system 
  • A new pilot program offering a $1,500 incentive to eligible customers who install qualifying heat pump equipment 
  • Updates to Cascade’s Climate Protection Program cost recovery schedules 

“Cascade’s filings involved complex issues, ranging from cost recovery to climate compliance,” said Commission Chair Letha Tawney. “These decisions balance customer impacts with Oregon’s energy and climate goals, and they improve transparency through required studies and future filings.” 

Manage energy use and bills 

  • Customers can explore rebates and energy saving tips through the Energy Trust of Oregon at www.energytrust.org. 
  • For assistance with bill payment options, customers can call Cascade Natural Gas or visit the company’s website. 

Cascade Natural Gas serves about 86,000 customers in central and eastern Oregon. 

 

# # # 

The Oregon Public Utility Commission regulates customer rates and services of the state’s investor owned electric and natural gas utilities. 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. For more information about the PUC, visit oregon.gov/puc.