Citing the recently enacted federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, staff at the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission has recommended that Cascade Natural Gas Co. reduce overall retail utility rates by $6.8 million, or 3.1%, regarding a pending general rate case. The state has scheduled three public hearings regarding the Kennewick, WA-based utility’s $5.9 million, or 2.7%, rate increase request. The three-member regulatory panel is scheduled to make its decision this summer with new rates expected to take effect Aug. 1.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission plans public hearings on integrated resource plans (IRP) for Puget Sound Energy’s (PSE) natural gas and electric utility service. The 20-year resource plans are filed every two years; PSE filed plans in November. Written comments may be submitted to the commission through Feb. 22.