Puget Sound Energy wants to raise gas rates by 10.6% in November 

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) has requested increased natural gas rates with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC).  

The proposed increase—an average rate of 10.6%—will be implemented on Nov. 1. It could affect both commodity rates and transportation-only customer schedules.  

The increase will impact PSE’s 900,000 natural gas consumers across 10 Washington counties, including Thurston, which has 57,183 customers.  

PSE has made its annual request to adjust natural gas rates through the purchased gas adjustment (PGA) mechanism, which allows utilities to adjust rates annually to reflect changes in the natural gas market. 

PSE projects natural gas costs to be slightly lower next year. However, customers may still see higher bills because special credits that kept rates down in 2022-23 are expiring. These credits were in place because gas prices were lower than expected during that period. As these credits end, the “true-up” part of the PGA will cause rates to increase despite the lower projected gas costs. 

The current bill for a typical residential customer using 64 therms of natural gas per month amounts to $91.11. However, starting Nov. 1, 2024, the same usage will result in a bill of $100.08. This represents an increase of $8.97 per month for the average household’s natural gas consumption.  

The commercial and industrial increase will be around 11.27%.  

The rate change will be reflected on their monthly bill under “Gas Cost.” 

PSE programs 

The natural gas rate hikes could significantly affect many households in Thurston County.

According to the latest American Community Survey, 9.3% of the county’s population—or 27,142 people—live below the federal poverty level.  

However, PSE offers to help customers manage their energy usage and bills through its various programs designed to provide financial relief and promote energy savings, including: 

• Bill Discount Rate program offers significant savings for income-qualified customers by up to 45% each month.  

• Help and LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) offers customers additional payment assistance.  

PSE also offered tips to save money and energy as fall weather returns: 

• Switch to LED bulbs. LEDs, lasting up to 13-25 years longer, use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. 

• Unplug and unwind. According to PSE, unplugging devices when not in use can save a household up to $100 per year.  

• Weatherize your home. As the weather cools down, make sure your home is prepared. Seal any air leaks around doors and windows, and consider adding insulation to your attic or walls. This will help keep the warm and cold air in, reducing your heating bills and energy consumption.  

• Upgrade to a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat can conveniently help you save energy and money by learning your schedule and preferences. One of the biggest benefits is the ability to remotely control your thermostat from anywhere using a smartphone app. Some also integrate with voice assistants or send notifications to your phone if there’s a problem with your HVAC system or it’s time for maintenance. By keeping you in the know, smart thermostats help ensure your home has a healthy temperature and HVAC system.