Oregon PUC Seeks Comments on Cascade Natural Gas Rate Increase

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Published March 4th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) is seeking public comments on Cascade Natural Gas's proposal to increase customer rates by $16.4 million, or 15.82 percent. The PUC is providing multiple channels for customers to submit feedback before a decision is made in October 2026.

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What changed

The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) has opened a public comment period regarding Cascade Natural Gas's request to increase its revenue by $16.4 million (15.82%). This proposed increase would result in an estimated $11.07 monthly bill increase for typical residential customers. The company states the additional revenue is needed for system safety, reliability improvements, and to cover rising operations and maintenance costs. This is Cascade Natural Gas's first general rate case since 2020.

Customers and community members are invited to submit comments through an online form, email, phone, or mail by June 15, 2026. The PUC Commissioners are expected to make a final decision in October 2026, with any approved rate changes potentially taking effect on October 31, 2026. Regulated entities, particularly those in the energy sector, should be aware of the public input process for utility rate adjustments and the potential for increased costs for consumers.

What to do next

Monitor public comments submitted by June 15, 2026.
Review the final decision expected in October 2026.
Prepare for potential rate changes effective October 31, 2026.

Source document (simplified)

Docket No.: UG 525 Media Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kandi Young, Public Information Officer March 4, 2026 kandi.young@puc.oregon.gov, (503) 551-5290 cell phone PUC ASKING CASCADE NATURAL GAS CUSTOMERS TO SUBMIT COMMENTS ONLINE, BY PHONE, OR BY MAIL SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) is inviting Cascade Natural Gas customers and community members to share their input on the company’s proposal to increase customer rates. Anyone who wishes to comment can do so through several accessible options. “Public input is essential to our decision-making process,” said Letha Tawney, PUC Chair. “We want every Cascade Natural Gas customer to have a clear and convenient way to share their perspective on this rate proposal.” How to Submit Comments Comments are accepted through June 15, 2026: • Online Public Comment Form: https://bit.ly/47kcMlj • Email: PUC.PublicComments@puc.oregon.gov • Phone: 503-378-6600 or 800-522-2404 (all relay calls accepted) • Mail: Oregon Public Utility Commission Attn: AHD – UG 525 PO Box 1088 Salem OR 97308-1088 About the Proposed Rate Increase 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 approved, a typical residential customer using an average 59 therms of natural gas per month would see an estimated monthly bill increase of about $11.07, from $63.63 to $74.70 per month. Actual bill impacts will vary based on customer type (residential, commercial or industrial), usage, and rate category. Cascade Natural Gas reports the additional revenue would support system safety and reliability improvements, along with rising operations and maintenance costs.

Docket No.: UG 525 This is Cascade Natural Gas’ 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. Public input is an important part of this process. The PUC Commissioners are expected to make a final decision in October 2026, and any approved rate changes would go into effect October 31, 2026. ###