Oregon Public Utility Commission approves rate increase and program updates for Cascade Natural Gas

By Garrett Christensen on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories

EASTERN OREGON – The Oregon Public Utility Commission recently announced that, as of Saturday, October 31, new rates and program updates have been approved for Cascade Natural Gas Customers. Part of the utility provider’s annual Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA,) a typical residential customer using an average 57 therms per month will see an increase of approximately $7.38 a month, or around a 10.7% increase. Locally, this will impact customers across portions of Baker and Malheur Counties.

Other updates include a planned phase-out of line extension allowances, a new pilot program for heat pump installation, and Climate Protection Program cost recovery schedule changes. For more information on the rate changes and other policy updates, see the press release from the Oregon Public Utility Commission below:

“Reasons for adjustment

Cascade’s general rate case includes costs for system upgrades, maintenance, environmental compliance, and updates to customer programs. The Commission approved three partial stipulations among the parties, resulting in a smaller increase than Cascade originally requested. The decision allows Cascade to recover the costs of new investments, update customer programs, and revise regulatory schedules that determine how costs are assigned to customers.

The PGA reflects what Cascade expects to pay for natural gas in the coming year and reconciles last year’s projected costs and actual expenses. It also includes program updates going into effect at the same time. These costs are passed through to customers without any added profit. This year’s PGA decrease is driven by wholesale natural gas prices and adjustments for lower gas use during last year’s unusually warm winter.

Program and policy updates

As part of the general rate case, the Commission also approved program changes, including:

A three-year phase out of line extension allowances, which help offset the cost of connecting new residential and commercial customers to the natural gas system
A new pilot program offering a $1,500 incentive to eligible customers who install qualifying heat pump equipment
Updates to Cascade’s Climate Protection Program cost recovery schedules

“Cascade’s filings involved complex issues, ranging from cost recovery to climate compliance,” said Commission Chair Letha Tawney. “These decisions balance customer impacts with Oregon’s energy and climate goals, and they improve transparency through required studies and future filings.”

Manage energy use and bills

Customers can explore rebates and energy saving tips through the Energy Trust of Oregon at www.energytrust.org.
For assistance with bill payment options, customers can call Cascade Natural Gas or visit the company’s website.
Customers may also contact local Community Action agencies for information about additional support programs.

Cascade Natural Gas serves about 86,000 customers in central and eastern Oregon.