NW Natural issues record $17 million in bill credits to Oregon customers, May 21

PORTLAND, Ore. — NW Natural customers in Oregon can expect a credit on their June bill. Once again, NW Natural is issuing bill credits in Oregon, and this year’s total is a record $17 million. The average residential customer in Oregon will see a credit of about $16.88, which equals a savings of 30% compared to average monthly bills. The average small commercial customer in Oregon will see a credit of about $77.09. “Natural gas delivers an affordable essential service for the region. In fact, our customers’ natural gas bills are about 40% lower than they were 15 years ago,” said David H. Anderson, NW Natural president and CEO. “During such a challenging time for so many due to COVID-19, we’re especially pleased to share these cost-savings.” For the past 16 years, NW Natural has issued nearly $160 million in bill credits to Oregon customers. These credits result from services provided at the company’s underground natural gas Storage facility at Mist, Oregon, as well as from efficient pipeline capacity management. This year’s bill credits were a record for customers, reflecting the first full year of an updated revenue-sharing mechanism with the Public Utility Commission of Oregon. Washington customers also benefit from the company’s efficiencies. However, instead of showing up as a one-time credit, Washington customers’ credits are included in the monthly billing rate throughout the year.