The staff of Washington’s Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) has recommended big rate decreases for Bellevue, WA-based Puget Sound Energy’s (PSE) natural gas and electric operations. The recommendations are in contrast to the utility’s more modest proposed decrease of $22 million (minus 2.4%) for its gas customers and an $87 million (4.1%) rate hike for electricity customers. UTC staff recommended a cut of $54 million (minus 6.6%) for gas users and a decrease of $46 million (minus 2.2%) on the electric side.