Urging retail customers to seek bill payment plans this winter, the Oregon Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Tuesday approved rate hikes for the state’s three principal natural gas distribution utilities, effective Friday (Oct. 1). Increases will range from 7.9% to 20.6%, attributable to the record high prices in the wholesale gas markets, the PUC said.

The rate increases came as a result of annual purchased gas adjustment (PGA) procedures for Northwest Natural Gas Co., Avista Utilities and Cascade Natural Gas, reflecting wholesale prices that are 25% higher than a year ago, the Oregon regulators said.

“Natural gas is seen as a clean and less expensive alternative, which has created a tight balance between demand and supply, and pushed gas prices up,” said PUC Chairman Lee Beyer. “Until prices come back down again there are things customers can do to lessen the impact, especially during the upcoming winter months.”

The increases among the three utilities break down as follows:

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