NW Natural gas customers will get a pleasant surprise next month. They will receive a one-time credit on their monthly bill. The average credit for a residential customer is approximately $36.58.
Industrial customers will receive credits ranging from $714 to almost $20,000.
The Oregon Public Utility Commission signed off on the $35 million credit earlier this week.
In April, NW Natural asked the Commission to approve the credit in order to pass along lower natural gas price savings accumulated from November 1, 2011 through March 31, 2012.
“It’s fortunate that we are able to pass along lower gas price savings and help reduce some of the financial strain faced by many Oregon households,” said Commissioner Susan Ackerman.
There may be another credit later this year as well. Commission staff, NW Natural and customer groups will review gas costs from April 1 through June 30 to decide if customers should receive a second gas price credit.
Additionally, the Commission also approved another credit of approximately $3.1 million related to savings for the company’s storage and transportation activities. This credit will reduce the average residential customer’s June bill by about $9.76.
