| Docket Number | Docket Name | Company |
|---|---|---|
| UG 490 | NW NATURAL REQUEST FOR A GENERAL RATE REVISION | NORTHWEST NATURAL |
| Comment Number | Created Date | Email Received Date | Company Name | Comment Type | Source Type | First Name | Last Name | Nearest City | Comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UG 490-1 | 1/12/2024 9:55:29 AM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | General Comment | Web | Jerry | Crane | TIGARD | Is Executive Compensation at NWN tied to profitability and increases in the price of its common stock? How much has executive compensation increased in the last four years? | ||
| UG 490-10 | 4/12/2024 12:31:51 AM | 4/11/2024 9:34:17 AM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | General Comment | katherinebfredricks@fastmail.com | NW Natural wants to raise residential rates by 18%. Utilities like NW Natural are using our money to lobby in favor of fossil fuels. Here's a Guardian article about the American Gas Association, which has "annual budgets between $30m and $60m, and has long worked to thwart climate efforts." David H. Anderson , President & CEO of NW Natural in Portland, OR, was Chair of the American Gas Association (AGA) Board of Directors in 2021. He is still a member of the AGA Board. It's offensive for utility customers to pay higher rates so NW Natural can launder money through the AGA, to hire more lobbyists for more greenwashing. Please deny this rate hike. Please also get politics out of our utility bills: 1. Tighten up rules to keep utilities from using ratepayer dollars for political activities. 1. Require regular disclosures from utilities about their political spending. 1. Establish clear enforcement mechanisms, including fines sufficient to deter violations. Thank you, Katherine Brann Fredricks | ||||
| UG 490-100 | 4/25/2024 1:55:29 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | Oppose Docket | Web | Diane | Clay | PORTLAND | Typed verbatim by AHD staff - cw; entered by Consumer Services staff - dr April 24, 2024 Chair Decker and Commissioners Tawney and Perkins. Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony today. Hello, my name is Dianne Clay, I live in North Portland and have been residing in North Portland for about 30 plus years and I am a valued customer of NW Natural. As a customer of NW Natural I rely on gas for my daily living. Gas heats up my home as well as the main source of heat for my water. I do want to show my appreciation for NW Natural for when I call expressing my concern of having a gas leak or to restart my gas ?replace. NW Natural responds in a quick manner. However, rate increases are hurting my family and the community around me. I believe utility companies should manage costs in ways that center communities rather than investors. I ?nd myself spending more money on utilities, and less on my daily essentials like food, household items and other bills. I also think rate increases would elevate stress and trauma. The trauma comes up for me growing up in poverty and having the gas shut off. Having anxiety about making sure my children never experience being extremely cold and wearing layers of clothes to keep warm. I also experienced grandma not having utility service. This caused an extreme amount of stress during the snowstorm. She was cold and in the dark, luckily we were able to get to her to provide candles and additional blankets to keep her warm. Grandma like many others are on a ?xed income and rate increase will be a burden to her health and everyday living. Based on my experience I ask the commissioners to not approve the rate increase. If the commissioners don't take action, the harm for low income families and communities will cause extreme stress and trauma. Especially for families living on a budget. Thank you commissioners for taking the time to listen to my testimony. I hope this information will let you know how the rising cost is affecting me and other people in my community. /s/ Dianne Clay | ||
| UG 490-101 | 4/26/2024 12:32:40 AM | 4/25/2024 8:06:50 AM | General Comment | nichelle.thompson76@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the NW Natural rate case (UG 490). As a NW Natural customer, I’m worried about how an 18% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. An increase this large does not need to happen right now. Since 2020, NW Natural rates have increased by more than 50%. We cannot afford another big rate increase this winter. As the cost of living remains high, raising bills this much will have a significant negative impact on my household and fellow Oregonians. We have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years. NW Natural and all other for-profit utilities should be subject to limited rate increases. I support the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board’s proposal to limit rate increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lowest. I also do not want my bills to go toward expanding NW Natural’s customer base. The Commission ruled in 2022 that NW Natural must reduce its expansion subsidy (the line extension allowance). The Commission also approved the elimination of Avista Gas’s subsidy just last year. Please do not allow NW Natural to increase its subsidy to up to $3,600. I urge the Commission to reduce this increase wherever possible, create limits on rate increases, and make utility rates more affordable. Sincerely, Ms. Nichelle Thompson 7631 N Denver Ave Portland, OR 97217-5647 nichelle.thompson76@gmail.com | |||||
| UG 490-102 | 4/26/2024 12:32:43 AM | 4/24/2024 2:01:17 PM | General Comment | Ellie.KNOLL@puc.oregon.gov | From: Theodora Tsongas <ttsongas@gmail.com<mailto:ttsongas@gmail.com>> Sent: Wednesday, April 24, 2024 1:37 PM To: PUC PUC.FilingCenter * PUC <puc.filingcenter@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:puc.filingcenter@puc.oregon.gov>> Cc: Theodora Tsongas <ttsongas@gmail.com<mailto:ttsongas@gmail.com>> Subject: NW Natural Rate Case Hearing Greetings Chair Decker, and Commissioners Tawney and Perkins, Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments. I am Dr. Theodora Tsongas, an environmental health scientist with a career in public health. I am a member of Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility and the Environment Section and the Climate and Health Committee of the American Public Health Association. I am testifying today because of my concern that NW Natural is once again attempting to fund its corporate profits for the benefit of its shareholders by increasing costs for its ratepayers with no significant benefit to those ratepayers. Second, NW Natural has not complied with your directions and it is simply proposing false solutions like biogas and hydrogen blending which are not proven and are known to have many health and safety drawbacks, as well as continuing to rely on fossil fuels for their production. Real climate solutions can enhance public health. NW Natural is dragging its feet because it knows that its time is short: it is a fossil fuel company and it does not want to adjust to the reality of our need to make significant changes in order to adapt to the climate emergency. But when we listen to their assertions, we are in danger of being saddled with stranded assets, and of wasting precious time and dollars on false solutions to climate change, when we have less expensive and cleaner solutions in solar, wind, and battery storage technology available now. According to the CUB: “NW Natural is attempting to create a new billing structure where customers in buildings with new gas hookups pay almost 200% more than existing gas customers. With the proposed change, an existing customer pays a $10 flat fee for service. Meanwhile, a customer living in a building added to the gas system after November 2024 would pay a $26.25 flat fee for service. “If implemented, this would mean that moving to a new home could wildly increase the amount you are paying for gas. And this different rate would continue forever. Imagine five years from now moving to a home of the same size, using the same amount of gas, and having your gas bill double because someone this year decided to hook up to NW Natural’s system. “As Oregon sets out to build more housing across the state, this could pose a real threat to the affordability of living in new construction. Affordable housing projects are not excluded from this proposal, meaning low-income families could be paying the price for a housing developer’s choice to install a gas stove. “Because of the subsidy for new hookups outlined above, developers have a real incentive to install gas appliances. The combination of more money for new gas hookups and higher rates for those who live in these buildings is a disaster for customers.” These proposals by NW Natural are not only inequitable and unjust, adversely affecting those members of our community in greatest need of adequate, safe, and healthy housing, but also ignore the affordable housing crisis we are facing. And, in the context of state climate goals, it is critical that ratepayers are not paying to subsidize the expansion of the fossil fuel infrastructure system. Please reject NW Natural’s proposals, eliminate its subsidy for new hookups, and send them back to the drawing board until they seriously address real climate solutions. Please reject NW Natural’s deeply flawed proposal that will prop up its polluting gas system in the face of emission reduction obligations by expanding its system and relying on expensive false solutions like biomethane and hydrogen blending. Thank you for your time and consideration of our concerns, and for your very hard work monitoring and controlling what is in fact, a monopoly. We do not have a choice of utility providers; you are the only resource we have to keep costs and services sustainable and affordable. Thank you. 1 https://oregoncub.org/news/blog/nw-natural-asks-for-an-18-rate-increase-for-oregon-h ouseholds/2970/ | |||||
| UG 490-103 | 4/26/2024 12:32:46 AM | 4/24/2024 9:13:59 AM | General Comment | crlpnn@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the NW Natural rate case (UG 490). As a NW Natural customer, I’m worried about how an 18% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. An increase this large does not need to happen right now. Since 2020, NW Natural rates have increased by more than 50%. We cannot afford another big rate increase this winter. As the cost of living remains high, raising bills this much will have a significant negative impact on my household and fellow Oregonians. We have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years. NW Natural and all other for-profit utilities should be subject to limited rate increases. I support the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board’s proposal to limit rate increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lowest. I also do not want my bills to go toward expanding NW Natural’s customer base. The Commission ruled in 2022 that NW Natural must reduce its expansion subsidy (the line extension allowance). The Commission also approved the elimination of Avista Gas’s subsidy just last year. Please do not allow NW Natural to increase its subsidy to up to $3,600. I urge the Commission to reduce this increase wherever possible, create limits on rate increases, and make utility rates more affordable. Sincerely, Mrs. Carla Penn-Hopson 10005 NE 13th Ave Portland, OR 97211-1563 crlpnn@yahoo.com | |||||
| UG 490-104 | 4/26/2024 12:32:49 AM | 4/23/2024 6:10:20 PM | General Comment | ellonm@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the NW Natural rate case (UG 490). As a NW Natural customer, I’m worried about how an 18% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. An increase this large does not need to happen right now. Since 2020, NW Natural rates have increased by more than 50%. We cannot afford another big rate increase this winter. As the cost of living remains high, raising bills this much will have a significant negative impact on my household and fellow Oregonians. We have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years. NW Natural and all other for-profit utilities should be subject to limited rate increases. I support the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board’s proposal to limit rate increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lowest. I also do not want my bills to go toward expanding NW Natural’s customer base. The Commission ruled in 2022 that NW Natural must reduce its expansion subsidy (the line extension allowance). The Commission also approved the elimination of Avista Gas’s subsidy just last year. Please do not allow NW Natural to increase its subsidy to up to $3,600. I urge the Commission to reduce this increase wherever possible, create limits on rate increases, and make utility rates more affordable. Sincerely, Ms. Ellon Manly 11012 SE Stark St Unit L Portland, OR 97216-3388 ellonm@selfenhancement.org | |||||
| UG 490-105 | 4/26/2024 12:32:52 AM | 4/23/2024 4:15:45 PM | General Comment | chelsearosealatriste@gmail.com | Dear Oregon Public Utility Commission, I'd like my comments to be included in staff’s supplemental opening testimony in this docket: I’m Chelsea Alatriste Martinez, and serve as Board Secretary for Fair Oregon Utility Rates for Small Business (FOUR). As a lifelong Oregonian born and raised in Newport, I understand the vital role small businesses play in rural communities. My parents are small business owners, and together we own and operate restaurants in Newport and Corvallis. My family business relies on natural gas to cook the food we sell to our customers, heat our dining area, and operate as a local business. My connection to the restaurant industry provides me with valuable insights into the needs of the small business commercial class. On behalf of FOUR, I am writing to advocate for the fair treatment of small commercial customers amidst Oregon’s efforts to decarbonize its energy supply. It is important that small businesses are not unfairly burdened by the financial implications of these decisions. We urge the Staff to conduct a thorough review of the cost-of-service analysis for small commercial customers to ensure that smaller users are not subsidizing larger users. Specifically, we are interested in the evaluation of the Company’s analysis of the RS 3 Cost Study. We would appreciate any comments from the Staff regarding their identification of concerns about rate shock, especially where natural gas is only one of the many significant operating utility expenses of a small business. Thank you for your attention to these important matters. Sincerely, Chelsea Alatriste Martinez Board Secretary, Fair Oregon Utility Rates for Small Business (FOUR) https://d36urhup7zbd7q.cloudfront.net/anonymous_user/no_sig_160031778637/signoff.gif?ck=1600317786.37 Chelsea Alatriste she/her J.D. Candidate - The University of Oregon School of Law, 2025 | |||||
| UG 490-106 | 4/26/2024 12:32:54 AM | 4/23/2024 3:42:03 PM | General Comment | mraugustynsdad@gmail.com | THIS INCREASE REQUEST IS EXORBITANT! I CAN JUST BARELY PAY MY CURRENT BILL WHICH AVERAGES $150 PER MONTH! Another $27 per month will break my budget! So much for increases in Social Security! Filing for Bankruptcy may be my only option...ugh! | |||||
| UG 490-107 | 4/26/2024 12:32:57 AM | 4/23/2024 2:51:25 PM | General Comment | aidanmay01@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the NW Natural rate case (UG 490). As a NW Natural customer, I’m worried about how an 18% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. An increase this large does not need to happen right now. Since 2020, NW Natural rates have increased by more than 50%. We cannot afford another big rate increase this winter. As the cost of living remains high, raising bills this much will have a significant negative impact on my household and fellow Oregonians. We have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years. NW Natural and all other for-profit utilities should be subject to limited rate increases. I support the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board’s proposal to limit rate increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lowest. And even that seems like more than necessary! I also do not want my bills to go toward expanding NW Natural’s customer base. The Commission ruled in 2022 that NW Natural must reduce its expansion subsidy (the line extension allowance). The Commission also approved the elimination of Avista Gas’s subsidy just last year. Please do not allow NW Natural to increase its subsidy to up to $3,600. This would be ridiculous for normal Oregonians like me. I urge the Commission to reduce this increase wherever possible, create limits on rate increases, and make utility rates more affordable. Sincerely, Mr. Aidan May 12375 Mount Jefferson Ter Lake Oswego, OR 97035-8880 aidanmay01@gmail.com | |||||
| UG 490-108 | 4/26/2024 8:59:14 AM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | Oppose Docket | Web | Patrick | Vanderhout | GLENEDEN BEACH | I'm against the NW Natural Rate increase, I sent a comment before on this topic but was registered as general comment not opposing a docket proposal. I don't know what the solution is between rising inflation and other standard of living costs, I can't see why these increases can be a little more less harsh then they are, it seems these days there is no room for innovation or that lack of vision thing. I know the State wants to go green and remove itself entirely from fossil fuels in ten years and which is squeezing NW Natural to raise rates in order to compensate the Environmentalist needs, but in the mean time people still to need to heat their homes and cook their food etc. Not to mention Portland is the Country's most Foodie City, most Restaurants here depend on Natural Gas to cook their dishes economically and palate wise, that would definitely effect the Restaurant Industry not to mention other businesses. There is nothing wrong with the 'vision thing' but rather how you apply it over time and make the transition as less painful as possible. | ||
| UG 490-109 | 4/26/2024 4:05:59 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | Oppose Docket | Web | Joyce | BEAVERTON | It is totally inappropriate to them to ask for a rate increase. All the utilities need to live within their means. My husband and I live on a fixed income and we are seniors. They need to space out their spending. I am a 5th generation Oregonian and is seriously considering leaving the state. | |||
| UG 490-11 | 4/12/2024 2:07:48 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | Oppose Docket | Web | Molly | McDevitt | MILWAUKIE | Residential gas users can't absorb an 18.8% rate increase in their gas utilities. The proposed increase places the largest burden on residential and small commercial customers, those least likely able to absorb the costs and most likely to be consuming less than large commercial and large industrial customers. NW Natural had a $93 million profit in 2023. This is a utility that none of us has an option of not using, it is built into our homes and apartments. We are being held hostage by a desire for a hirer profit margin for shareholders. This rate increase will force people to choose between basic needs like food, or being able to heat their homes. The rate increase is simply too high for the average consumer to bear. We have an exploding working poor who can no longer afford a roof over their heads because our income can't keep up with the costs of living. | ||
| UG 490-110 | 4/26/2024 4:54:23 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | Support Docket | Web | Jason | Burns | STAYTON | Wednesday, April 17, 2024 Oregon Public Utility Board of Commissioners 201 High St. SE, Ste 100 Salem, OR 97301 Re. UAG 490 Dear Chair Decker, Commissioners Tawney, and Perkins, In an ever-changing world, options are important. Most of us have one or more vehicles at our disposal. We as human beings like to have a backup plan. We have more than one pair of shoes. Anything that is essential when often plan to keep the old one when we get a new one just so we have two options. We are urged to keep a “Go” bag in our vehicles. Why should we not plan the same way with how we heat our house? Having both gas and electricity as a heat source in a home allows the homeowner to have the same choice. I’m have been a president of a central Willamette Valley heating and cooling company for the last 19 years. We serve from Detroit to Dallas and Woodburn to Albany. We have lived through the 2020 fires as well as the 2021 ice storm and the summer wind storms that now cause the power to be turned off on a hot day. We regularly instruct our customers that you can’t run a heat pump without a super big generator. And their electric furnace is not going to work at all without electricity from the grid. The future is dual fuel. Despite how much the future claims to be electricity. We, as a society, will have to take a step back if we think that electricity can supply all our needs. Rationing, limited electrical usage, controlling when we use electricity, these are not things the most prosperous nation in the world should have to do. Those are the things we expect from our southern neighbor. There is no way to provide all the heat needed in a home, all of the electrical needs of a home and electrify transportation at the same time we continue to restrict the means of electric generation. The past has been dual fuel. Wood, coal, sawdust, oil. Then natural gas and electricity. If we limit the future, you can guarantee that people will figure out ways to go back to other options when they are cold. None of those options are as clean as a 95% gas furnace. With dual fuel, we create people who have the ability to chose how they heat there home and also have the ability to be resilient when events happen that limit their access to the grid. What do we want as citizens of this state. People who are completely depend on one fuel and if that fuel is scarce they just have to go without or do we want people who can survive on their own because they have choices and ability to take care of themselves in a crisis. Many crisis arise due to extreme weather. Depending on solar and battery at those times are very limited back up means. They might last a day but after that they are useless. Not to mention the fact that any electric vehicles are suddenly bricks so someone cannot even relocate if needed. Dual fuel creates multiple options for a homeowner to survive without calling for help. We are experiencing power outages in the summer months even now. Many people are installing generators to provide them power when none comes through the lines. They install natural gas or propane knowing that when the generator comes on it will not run their heat pump. These people want to do what is right for our future but also want that generator to provide power when it is not provided to them. Most customers install 95% efficient furnaces in their home. These become backup heat sources when paired with a heat pump. Without these gas furnaces we could be relying on electricity generated by emergency backup natural gas power plants that are only 60% efficient at best before we even mention power line losses. I would much rather run a backup gas furnace at 95% then a natural gas power plant assuming that natural gas power plant is even an option we have. I know the future does not allow this option. Many customer are choosing generators because they know this. Therefore, I believe that Northwest Natural has worked really hard to provide an option for their customers that helps all parties. I know for a fact that the electric utilities do not want all of the heating load on the electric grid. By approving this LEA you will be enabling Northwest Natural to be able to provide resilience to many people that otherwise would be solely dependent on a electric utility or emergency services in a time of crisis. We urge support and approval of NW Natural’s LEA proposal that enables a dual fuel future and gives homeowners the choice for resilience! If I can be of any assistance in anyway, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Jason@focusheatingandcooling.com Sincerely, Jason Burns President Focus Heating & Cooling. CCB#168985 | ||
| UG 490-111 | 4/30/2024 2:20:07 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | Support Docket | Web | Mike | Erdmann | SALEM | Letter converted to Word by Consumer staff and posted to public comments. dr April 23, 2024 Public Utility Commission of Oregon 201 High St. SE, Suite 100 Salem, Oregon 97301-3398 VIA ELECTRONIC FILING (puc.PublicComments@puc.oregon.gov) Re: UG-490, On behalf of 14 organizations and individuals representing thousands of people in Oregon Chair Decker, Commissioner Tawney, and Commissioner Perkins: We are representatives of business and community leaders, workers, and housing and economic development professionals who wake up each day focused on the details of building and remodeling, technological innovations, and the systems that make communities and buildings work. That's why we’re coming together today to share our support for the Line Extension Allowance proposal from NW Natural. This first-of-its-kind approach prioritizes low emission homes while balancing the need for housing growth in our state in a way that supports more affordability in building costs and energy security. In this model, low-use gas appliances don’t compete with efficient heat pumps – they complement them. And they offer a reliability benefit for when the power is out – it's a win-win. The Line Extension Allowance is not a subsidy. Builders receive no money from NW Natural or anyone else. New low use customers will cover 100% of their costs to be added to the system and carbon compliance costs, yet their overall bill stays lower because of reduced usage. Existing customers benefit because the new customer is helping absorb some of the fixed costs of the system. Just as we rely on the Commission’s allowed electric Line Extension Allowance to connect power to new homes, we need a fair natural gas Line Extension Allowance to ensure access to low-emissions equipment that offers greater resiliency to all Oregonians. We need regulatory support to meet our state’s top priorities: • Housing affordability is important to Oregonians. We know that Governor Kotek is focused on actions that will increase housing and affordability options. Homeowners that have high efficiency gas equipment pay less than those who have to rely only on electric heating for those coldest winter days. • Resiliency for all is needed in our region. We know that energy reliability is a priority for residents and businesses, especially during extreme conditions. Gas appliances like many water heaters, fireplaces, cooktops, and generators work when the power is out – that’s part of the reason why customers choose them. With this proposed Line Extension Allowance, more homes at lower price points will have access to high-performing gas equipment that works when the power is out – not just the most expensive houses for wealthier Oregonians. The proposed Line Extension Allowance provides support for building more resilient neighborhoods – while also lowering emissions. • Our customers want choices. Each house that’s built represents hundreds of choices that are made about the unique materials, tools and equipment used. Customers buy homes that reflect what they need and want, and what works for their families. We know what our customers want to purchase and that’s why we make the decisions we do when building homes. We hope our state’s regulators will consider our experience and what customers want when implementing policies that affect housing development. We recognize that housing and energy planning is complex work. But now more than ever we need support for ensuring smart, pragmatic energy options, which is why we ask you to approve the Line Extension Allowance of you now. Oregon’s housing, economic development and community leaders need to ensure we are decarbonizing in a way that’s affordable and reliable for our customers – this proposal is structured to do just that. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Please see below organizational list. Howard Bell Executive Officer/Secretary Treasurer, OPEIU Local 11 Cale Doney Land Acquisition & Development Manager, Sage Built Homes Mike Erdmann CEO, Home Builders Association of Marion & Polk Counties Oleg Foksha President/CEO, Foksha Homes Inc. Jason Fussell Business Manager, Ironworkers Local 29 Tom Hoffert CEO, Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Roseann Johnson Entitlements Manager, Lennar Northwest, LLC Andre Makarenko President, Comfort Homes, LLC Jeremy Osterholm President, Ostercraft Homes Deanna Palm President/CEO, Washington County Chamber of Commerce Kelly Ritz President, Stone Bridge Homes NW Craig Schuck Vice President, Riverside Homes, LLC Jim Standring President, Westland Industries, Inc Russ Tiedeman COO, Pacific Lifestyle Homes | ||
| UG 490-112 | 5/1/2024 12:33:52 AM | 4/27/2024 1:17:44 PM | General Comment | jdr71980@gmail.com | I am writing to comment on the proposed rate increase for NW natural. I do not think it is in the best interests of the State of Oregon or the people of the state to continue to allow such steep increases for utilities. This is going to push the disenfranchised people further down and possibly out of their homes into homelessness. This is also straining the middle class and going to cause even more tension due to people being pushed to the brink. If you want to push all the people to the point of rebellion continue to Push the tax and rate payers further with 20 and 30% rate increase yearly. These constant rate increases are not sustainable for the people of the state and are not necessary for the stock holders of these companies with yearly profits spiking in all energy sectors. I urge you to deny this rate increase as it is unfair and not needed. You allowed 2 increased within a year spanning this and last year. Regards James D Reed | |||||
| UG 490-113 | 5/2/2024 12:34:35 AM | 4/29/2024 4:31:22 PM | General Comment | vacantfever@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the NW Natural rate case (UG 490). As a NW Natural customer, I’m worried about how an 18% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. An increase this large does not need to happen right now. Since 2020, NW Natural rates have increased by more than 50%. We cannot afford another big rate increase this winter. As the cost of living remains high, raising bills this much will have a significant negative impact on my household and fellow Oregonians. We have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years. NW Natural and all other for-profit utilities should be subject to limited rate increases. I support the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board’s proposal to limit rate increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lowest. I also do not want my bills to go toward expanding NW Natural’s customer base. The Commission ruled in 2022 that NW Natural must reduce its expansion subsidy (the line extension allowance). The Commission also approved the elimination of Avista Gas’s subsidy just last year. Please do not allow NW Natural to increase its subsidy to up to $3,600. I urge the Commission to reduce this increase wherever possible, create limits on rate increases, and make utility rates more affordable. Sincerely, Mr. Daniel Miller 146 Lexington Ave Astoria, OR 97103-5012 vacantfever@gmail.com | |||||
| UG 490-114 | 5/7/2024 4:56:07 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | Oppose Docket | Web | Judi | West | INDEPENDENCE | **Letter transcribed by Consumer Services staff - KR** From: Judi West judiwest@hotmail.com Date: Apr 18, 2024 at 11:09:01 PM RE: NW Natural Rate increase Hi This is the first time I have been compelled to write regarding NW naturals wish for a rate increase. They have been excessively greedy this last year you granted them a large increase less than a year ago and now they want another 18.8% increase! Enough already. Where do they come up with their figure that the average increase will be $15? My bill has been averaging over $200 a month for an average size home. That increase will be $38 a month or $450 a year. They must be using figures for a one bedroom condo. Definitely not using real life figures. We can no longer afford these prices. Every company is raising their prices. Cost of living slash inflation keeps rising 4 to 5% each month we the people can no longer afford these prices. Is the PUC going to continue to put people out of their homes because of these excessive price increases from utilities? Where is it going to stop? You must put your foot down and stop the successive demand by northwest natural to fill their coffers. Stop this increase request. Thank you. Judi West Independence, OR PS your website is difficult to navigate could not find a way to do this online easily. Back to snail mail. | ||
| UG 490-12 | 4/15/2024 12:32:09 AM | 4/12/2024 8:50:00 AM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | General Comment | Ellie Knoll (She/Her) Oregon Public Utility Commission 201 High Street SE • Salem, OR 97301 • 503-580-8638 • ellie.knoll@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:ellie.knoll@puc.oregon.gov> logo_color From: Sue Craig <sueacraig@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, April 11, 2024 9:20 PM To: PUC PUC.FilingCenter * PUC <puc.filingcenter@puc.oregon.gov> Subject: NW Natural General Rate Case Comments sueacraig@gmail.com<mailto:sueacraig@gmail.com>. To Chair Decker, and Commissioners Tawney and Perkins, Thank you for this opportunity to comment, and for taking your valuable time to consider the public in your comments. I am soon to be 87 years old. It is so strange to me, that Gas companies ....at all levels do not see the consequences of their business models, except where their investors are concerned. Surely they see what I see. If we do not do everything in our power, NOW to curb our CO2 output, we truly will not survive on this earth. NW Natural is a good example of this "blindness". They seem to have no way of thinking of going into the business of electrification, and now want to pass on to their customers a rate increase that will in no way help our dear earth. Please insist that they follow your plans to help which you have given them as a lead. Instead of looking into how to get into an electrification model for their future, they are, among other things, buying up water futures! I am in 7 different Environmental groups. There are so many ways that this company could help. I really get frustrated with such poor vision, when it is SO obvious what needs to be done. Sorry....thanks for letting me rant! Sue Craig. Eugene, Oregon. sueacraig@gmail.com<mailto:sueacraig@gmail.com> 541-607-0204 | |||||
| UG 490-13 | 4/15/2024 12:32:12 AM | 4/11/2024 4:32:36 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | General Comment | From: Linda Perrine <laperrine@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, April 11, 2024 3:08 PM To: PUC PUC.FilingCenter * PUC <puc.filingcenter@puc.oregon.gov> Subject: NW Natural General Rate Case - Testimony for April 16 meeting laperrine@gmail.com<mailto:laperrine@gmail.com>. Chair Decker and Commissioners Tawney and Perkins, thank you for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Linda Perrine and I am a resident of Lincoln City, OR. I am a NW Natural customer. I am very concerned about methane’s serious contribution to Climate Change. Another conern is the explosive nature of natural gas in light of the massive earthquake that the region is due to experience. The State of Oregon and communities in Oregon are working to address Climate Change through electrification of homes, public buildings and businesses. Electrification would address both concerns above which is why I advocate for electrification in Lincoln County. Commissioners, please REJECT NW Natural’s deeply flawed proposal that will prop up its polluting gas system in the face of emission reduction obligations by expanding its system and relying on expensive false solutions like biomethane and hydrogen blending. Please REJECT NW Natural’s proposal to increase its ratepayer-funded subsidies for many new gas connections, and instead order it to END these outdated, expensive, and climate-damaging subsidies. Please build on the clear direction that you gave in NW Natural’s integrated resource plan to appropriately consider and incorporate electrification into the utility’s decarbonization strategy. It is clear that the only feasible and cost efficient pathway for gas utilities like NW Natural to comply with the State’s climate goals and decarbonize the gas system is through investments in electrification. Instead of allowing the utility to continue to prop up its business model with expensive and ineffective investments in out of state factory farms and other sources of RNG, listen to the countless ratepayers and local governments calling for a managed transition to all electric homes and buildings. Additionally: * NW Natural falsely claims that it can meet its decarbonization obligations while adding more customers by relying on false solutions like biogas and hydrogen blending. These unproven resources are expensive, scarce, and dangerous, and relying on them puts huge financial risks on NW Natural’s customers if they fail to materialize. * NW Natural has asked to increase its return on equity—which means more money going from customers’ pockets to investors—in part because it recognizes its business model is out of sync with state climate policy and is, therefore, risky. But NW Natural has not proposed any steps to manage that risk by aligning its business with state policy. If NW Natural is going to charge more based on this risk, it must be required to invest in electrification, which is its only viable long-term decarbonization strategy. * Please build on your guidance from NW Natural’s integrated resource plan by directing the utility to pursue electrification, which is the only feasible, proven path to meeting its decarbonization obligations under state policy. As an Oregonian and a NW Natural customer, I want my utility to pursue an electrification-based decarbonization strategy that aligns with expert analysis and relies on proven technology, not the risky strategy based on false solutions that NW Natural has proposed. * NW Natural’s higher fixed charge on new single-family and multi-family occupants will burden new homeowners with a charge they can do nothing about. The company proposes to encourage developers to install gas appliances through its line extension subsidy while penalizing new homeowners with a high fixed charge based on the developer’s subsidized decision to install gas appliances that homeowners did not ask for. Meanwhile, existing ratepayers are burdened with the costs of the expanded gas system for decades to come. We are in a Climate Emergency! There is no more time to waste on a gas system that pollutes with methane. We need the PUC to require NWN to move to electrification retrofits and products immediately (heat pumps installations). This is an ALL HANDS ON DECK moment and NWN needs to move to solutions that do not harm the planet and people. Thank you, Linda Perrine Lincoln City, OR | |||||
| UG 490-14 | 4/16/2024 8:46:57 AM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | Oppose Docket | Web | Ronda | Rozzell | KEIZER | Please do not entertain an 18% increase for NW Natural's rate increase. I understand some increases are necessary, but due to the inflation we are swimming in 18% is too much to bear, possible 5% or under would be the best for all Oregonians facing the high cost of living. Thank you for your time and consideration. Ronda | ||
| UG 490-15 | 4/16/2024 1:41:41 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | Support Docket | Web | Roseann | Johnson | PORTLAND | April 16, 2024 Judge Sarah Spruce and PUC Commissioners Oregon Public Utility Commission PO Box 1088, Salem, OR 97308-1088 Re: PUC Docket No. UG490 – NW Natural Request for a General Rate Revision – Line Extension Allowance Dear Judge Spruce and Oregon PUC Commissioners, Lennar Northwest, LLC (“Lennar”) provides this letter in support of NW Natural’s proposed Line Extension Allowance (“LEA”). The LEA is one aspect of NW Natural’s overall Request for a General Rate Revision (“Request”). Lennar develops and builds residential communities throughout Oregon. Since its inception, Lennar has sought to provide quality and attainability for its customers. Based on close interaction with thousands of prospective and actual Oregonian homebuyers each year, Lennar understands the amenities households desire and need. As a result of its market pulse, Lennar has generally offered both electric and gas energy systems within its homes. Providing a hybrid energy setup grants our customers choice while protecting household resiliency, and allows customers to include the amenities they value, such as gas fireplaces and tankless hot water heaters. We support flexible energy policy that will allow infrastructure to adapt over time, continuing to lower carbon emissions. Historically, Lennar has been able to offer hybrid energy scenarios as a direct result of NW Natural’s LEA. Over the past couple years, however, a steady LEA reduction has jeopardized the likelihood of energy hybridization within our communities; the results would be increased cost and less choice for the consumer. The good news is that NW Natural’s proposed LEA provides a win-win, supporting decarbonization and bolstering hybrid systems offered by the developer/builder at the same time. While the current LEA structure offers higher allowances for more gas appliance use, the proposed LEA is directly associated with targeted gas appliance install, and efficient lower gas use. For example, a builder could offer a household electric heat with gas heat backup, which would only kick on in times of need, using energy in the most cost-effective manner. The proposed LEA opens doors to investment in future hybrid options that reduce emissions and comply with low-carbon objectives. The proposed LEA increase works in tandem with the private developer/builder infrastructure contribution, raising the likelihood that resilient hybrid energy systems will continue to be built throughout Oregon communities. If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that infrastructure is expensive, and it makes sense to leverage existing assets in order to hedge against extreme inflationary pressures. Consequently, a network of supplemental energy backbones in the ground means choice, backup energy, and more affordable energy resiliency for Oregonians. Lennar supports the proposed LEA element of the NW Natural Request. By approving the LEA, the State is prepared to realize years of resilient energy planning for future Oregonian households. Sincerely, Roseann Johnson Entitlements Manager Lennar Northwest, LLC | ||
| UG 490-16 | 4/16/2024 2:08:44 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | Support Docket | Web | Deanna | Palm | HILLSBORO | Chair Decker, Commissioner Tawney, and Commissioner Perkins: The Washington County Chamber of Commerce strongly supports NW Natural’s line extension proposal, which we believe is essential for fostering economic development and enhancing community well-being in our region, while focusing on decarbonizing the energy system and protecting resiliency for residents. Washington County is a vibrant community with growing residential and business needs. NW Natural’s innovative proposal to enable the building community to affordably deliver housing with resilient energy systems will significantly benefit our local businesses by providing residents with reliable, cost-effective energy options that are crucial for daily operations and long-term planning. This proposal is not merely an enhancement of resiliency; it is an investment in the economic foundation of our county. Moreover, this project aligns with our commitment to sustainability and responsible resource management. Natural gas plays a pivotal role in our transitional energy strategies, helping us balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, while ensuring that the energy that residents depend on is available, even during extreme weather events. By supporting this proposal, we are endorsing a vision that promotes growth, reliability, and sustainability—a vision that is integral to the future of Washington County. Therefore, I urge the Commission to consider the substantial positive impacts this project will have on our community and to approve NW Natural’s line extension proposal. Thank you for your attention and consideration. Deanna Palm President/CEO | ||
| UG 490-17 | 4/16/2024 4:22:55 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | General Comment | Web | Max | Bondar | PORTLAND | Dear Commissioners, I am writing on behalf of David Weekley Homes to emphasize the critical nature of the proposed adjustments to the Line Extension Allowance in the NW Natural Rate Case. Our recent interactions with Portland General Electric and Columbia River PUD have highlighted electrical system limitations and capacity issues that necessitate costly electrical infrastructure upgrades. These challenges potentially limit development on otherwise developable land. The financial burdens associated with these upgrades will inevitably be passed on to future homeowners, substantially raising construction costs and increasing both initial home prices and ongoing utility expenses. Additionally, the issue of home affordability is further exacerbated as less expensive gas appliances are being replaced by more costly electrical appliances. Therefore, we strongly advocate for maintaining or increasing the NW Natural Line Extension Allowance and demand complete transparency from electrical companies and NW Natural regarding their installation, energization, and extension costs for new subdivisions. Last year, our payments to Portland General Electric included significant and unclear "Overhead" charges on top of material and labor costs. To our knowledge, there is currently no accountability for PGE's or NW Natural's "Installation/Extension" costs charged to developers. We are observing massive increases in utility installation costs coupled with decreases in extension allowances, which underscores a profound need for regulatory oversight and transparency in this area. We appreciate your attention to these pressing issues and are committed to processes that support the well-being of our community and the sustainability of our industry. | ||
| UG 490-18 | 4/16/2024 4:29:44 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | Support Docket | Web | Paul | Vogel | SAINT HELENS | Public Utility Commission of Oregon c/o Charles Lockwood, PUC Staff 201 High St. SE #100 Salem, OR 97301 RE: OPUC Consideration of LEA General Rate Case Filing (UG490) to Support Decarbonization Dear Mr. Lockwood and Oregon Public Utility Commissioners; On behalf of the Board of Directors and membership of Columbia Economic Team, as well as the residents of Columbia County, we urge Oregon Public Utility Commission approval of NW Natural’s Line Extension Allowance proposal to incentivize decarbonization, offer economic and energy choices to all household income levels, and support both housing and economic development in rural Oregon. The Columbia Economic Team (CET) is a countywide membership organization with the mission to promote the creation, retention, growth, and attraction of business and industry throughout our rural county. Operationally, CET is comprised of five core functions: economic development, small business development, localized small business marketing and promotion, entrepreneurial ecosystem development, and tourism. NW Natural’s proposal tangibly and positively impacts every aspect of our service to the people of this county. A relatively small-population, rural-to-semi-rural county must rely upon multiple energy options in order to foster growth of diversified industry and its workforce population. Indeed, virtually all of Oregon is currently constrained by electricity transmission shortfall. Nowhere is that truer than in Columbia County. Potential grid solutions are long-term, which will adversely impact job, housing, and overall economic growth here, having received stark reminders of that just in the past thirty days. Our organization has taken on Oregon’s, and the Governor’s, housing challenge. This line extension proposal will lend both stability and impetus for housing here with an eye to affordability, enabling business to count on workforce livability and the people supply chain. At such a critical time of high housing and energy uncertainty, proactive proposals that align with improving focus on both areas, while being mindful of the state climate goals are essential, and welcome. Columbia County is not the only rural region impacted by energy and housing constraints. The fact is, much of rural Oregon is similarly impacted on both fronts, and NW Natural serves many of our counterpart communities. The company’s foresight and non-conventional thinking will introduce stability to Line Extension Allowance requirements and projections, thereby introducing more stability into housing construction costs, and resilience in diversified energy supply and use. Further, providing greater stability, predictability, and incentivizing decarbonization encourages continuous progress toward renewable and cleaner fuel use – and progress toward our state, national, and global carbon goals. Global aspirations are important, but these things start at home, with homes. Columbia Economic Team supports this common-sense proposal by NW Natural to do yet one more thing it can and urges the Oregon Public Utility Commission approval to create the nation’s first residential Line Extension Allowance (LEA) program that supports affordable housing objectives, energy supply resiliency, and energy grid decarbonization. Thank you in advance for your consideration and foresight in approving Filing UG490. Sincerely, Paul Vogel Executive Director | ||
| UG 490-19 | 4/16/2024 5:15:56 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | Oppose Docket | Web | Jan | Hames | PORTLAND | As a life long Oregonian and a Senior who recently retired after working nearly 50 years I vehemently oppose ALL requests for ALL utility increases. It is getting to the point you are knowingly pricing Seniors/Veterans right out of their homes. Everyday we find more and more of our Seniors/Veterans pushed out onto the streets of Portland - it’s a total disgrace! You tell people to turn their thermostats down only to increase rates to cover the reduction in service! We already have Seniors/Veterans who sit in their homes without heat in freezing temps in the winter and die from heat related episodes in the summer! 18% increase for those who barely use gas but let’s give those a break who are eating it up! No incentives, no accountability and poor planning - do better! | ||
| UG 490-2 | 2/15/2024 10:02:01 AM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | General Comment | Web | Jose I | Galindez | BEAVERTON | Dry Natural Gas prices on the Nymex today closed at $1.689/MMBtu, its lowest settlement value since July 22, 2020; a 19% drop in the contract during the past six days of price declines and down almost 80% from its mid-2022 highs which were in the $8 to $9 per MMbtu. How can the Commission continue to approve and justify ongoing increases for commercial and residential natural gas service when the cost of gas has dropped 80% reduction since its summer 2022 peak? Thanking you in advance José | ||
| UG 490-20 | 4/16/2024 6:05:46 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | Support Docket | Web | Jeremy | Osterholm | HAPPY VALLEY | April 16, 2024 Good Evening, My name is Jeremy Osterholm. I am the 2024 Board President for the Home Building Association of Greater Portland. I am also the owner and President of Ostercraft Homes Inc. Where I am a second-generation homebuilder in the metro area. I come before you today in support of the NW Natural Gas Line Extension Agreement proposal. The Home Building Association of Greater Portland also known as the HBA is dedicated to maximizing housing choice for all who reside in our region. Our members are industry professionals across the Portland Metro Region in 6 counties, 40 cites, and many more service and utility districts. Our members have been heavily involved and working with Governor Kotek, this last year, on housing growth and housing affordability initiatives that she has successfully proposed. The recent trend of reducing the Line Extension Agreement (LEA) with the end goal of eliminating it plays against affordable housing. For years the LEA has provided our members and communities around the region with a viable option to have multiple energy sources in homes. Without the LEA builders will continue to provide Natural gas to homes but the consumer will ultimately pay more for this product increasing the cost of housing. However, the current proposal presented by NW Natural provides an incentive to not only provide natural gas as an option it incentivizes builders to use more energy efficient equipment in the homes they build. This is a win for housing affordability and for the environment. As a second-generation home builder, my family has been building homes in the Oregon since 1974. I can proudly say in our 50 years of building we have been installing natural gas to our homes. It has been an amenity and an asset for our home buyers. As a small company we work daily to try and find a way to lower the cost of our homes so that we can compete in today’s market. We are also always trying to anticipate what the next generation of consumer is going to want in their homes. In light of massive power outages, the last few winters our consumers are making sure that we are able to provide Natural gas as well as power so that they can have options when they are out of power during these winter storm events. They are also asking for energy efficient products. The new LEA proposal from NW Natural will make it easier for me to provide my customers with energy efficient products and help keep my costs in check. I have read through NW Naturals proposal and I am not only in support of it, I am thankful that they have answered the call to serving our industries growth, while lowering emissions. I’d ask that you please take my testimony into account and approve this proposal. Thank you for time, Jeremy Osterholm Home Builders Association of Greater Portland, Board President Ostercr | ||
| UG 490-21 | 4/17/2024 12:32:17 AM | 4/16/2024 3:26:47 PM | General Comment | Cheryl.WALKER@puc.oregon.gov | From: L.C. Larry Weymouth <lcweymouth@peak.org> Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 3:24 PM To: PUC PUC.FilingCenter * PUC <puc.filingcenter@puc.oregon.gov> Subject: NW Natural General Rate Case Comments lcweymouth@peak.org<mailto:lcweymouth@peak.org>. Commissioners: I urge you to reject NW Natural’s proposal to increase its ratepayer-funded subsidies for many new gas connections, and instead order it to end these outdated, expensive, and climate-damaging subsidies. Please build on the clear direction that you gave in NW Natural’s integrated resource plan to appropriately consider and incorporate electrification into the utility’s decarbonization strategy. Sincerely, Larry Weymouth Corvallis, OR | |||||
| UG 490-22 | 4/17/2024 12:32:20 AM | 4/16/2024 1:07:17 PM | General Comment | Cheryl.WALKER@puc.oregon.gov | From: James Holm Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 12:55 PM To: PUC PUC.FilingCenter * PUC <puc.filingcenter@puc.oregon.gov> Subject: NW Natural General Rate Case Comments holm1295@gmail.com<mailto:holm1295@gmail.com>. Dear Chair Decker and Commissioners Tawney and Perkins, I live in Corvallis and I am greatly alarmed by our climate crisis. The approaching summer recalls in my mind relentless heat and days of air pollution from forest fires. The science is clear: fossil fuel carbon emissions are warming our planet. Each additional ton of emissions equals more warming driving even more climate chaos. I urge you to consider future generations when making your decision about NW Natural's rate requests. I feel strongly that now is the time to stop emitting carbon pollution to protect our natural environment and to protect children from indoor pollution. Please reject the NW Natural's rate request. Future generations will appreciate this action. Sincerely, James E. Holm 3229 SE Shoreline Dr. Corvallis, OR 97333 | |||||
| UG 490-23 | 4/17/2024 12:32:23 AM | 4/16/2024 10:27:38 AM | General Comment | thorhinckley53@gmail.com | Dear Commissioners, On behalf of the Coordinating Committee for Third Act Oregon, an Oregon non-profit of over 300 seniors working to support Democracy and fight climate change, we ask that you reject NW Natural’s deeply flawed rate hike request. This misguided proposal will only serve to increase fossil fuel use, and the resulting greenhouse gas emissions that pose an imminent threat to our climate. By rejecting NW Natural’s proposal to increase its ratepayer-funded subsidies for new gas connections, and ordering it to end these outdated, expensive, climate-damaging subsidies you will be helping to protect Oregon's environment for current and future generations. This rejection will build on the clear direction you provided in response to NW Natural’s Integrated Resource Plan, to appropriately consider and incorporate electrification into the utility’s decarbonization strategy. In light of the danger posed by fossil fuel emissions, the only feasible and cost-effective pathway for gas utilities like NW Natural to comply with the State’s climate goals is to quickly decarbonize the fossil gas system by increased investments in electrification. Instead of allowing the utility to continue to prop up its business model with expensive and ineffective investments in out-of-state factory farms and other sources of RNG, we ask that you listen to ratepayers and local governments calling for a managed transition to all-electric homes and buildings. Thank you. Thor Hinckley Coordination Committee Member Third Act Oregon | |||||
| UG 490-24 | 4/17/2024 12:32:25 AM | 4/16/2024 9:29:17 AM | General Comment | Cheryl.WALKER@puc.oregon.gov | From: Karen Jacobson <kajacobson@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 9:11 AM To: PUC PUC.FilingCenter * PUC <puc.filingcenter@puc.oregon.gov> Subject: NW Natural General Rate Case Comments kajacobson@gmail.com<mailto:kajacobson@gmail.com>. Dear Commissioners, I am a NW Natural customer who lives in SW Portland. I'm also a medical professional and a mother to two elementary school aged girls. I'm deeply concerned about NW Natural's proposal to increase rates for customers to fund their expansion of the gas system. We know that in order to meet state climate goals we need to shrink the use of fossil fuels and increase the use of electrifying our households and businesses. It makes no sense to fund the expansion of dirty methane gas pipeline systems. NW Natural proposes to encourage developers to install gas appliances through its line extension subsidy. The company is also proposing a new higher fixed charge on new homers. This proposal would doubly burden families with higher charges and dirty air from methane gas appliances for years to come. Please be skeptical of false solutions like biogas and hydrogen blending that NW Natural is claiming will meet its climate obligations. These are unproven technologies that are expensive and dangerous. Electrification is a proven, inexpensive way to meet our climate goals and NW Natural should be required to comply with the state's climate goals to increase electrification. I am asking commision to reject NW Natural's proposal and order NW Natural to eliminate its line extension allowance. Thank you so much for the work you do and for reading my comments. Thank you for holding companies accountable and working to make our state healthy and green for years to come. Karen Jacobson | |||||
| UG 490-25 | 4/17/2024 12:32:28 AM | 4/16/2024 8:49:48 AM | General Comment | Cheryl.WALKER@puc.oregon.gov | From: A Shapiro <alice.shapiro2@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, April 15, 2024 6:04 PM To: PUC PUC.FilingCenter * PUC <puc.filingcenter@puc.oregon.gov> Subject: NW Natural General rate case alice.shapiro2@gmail.com<mailto:alice.shapiro2@gmail.com>. Greetings Chair Decker and Commissioners Tawney and Perkins, I am a NW Natural rate payer and I am concerned with the increasing climate disasters we are facing here and in much of our fragile planet. I have grandchildren here in Portland and I am concerned that their lives will become much more challenged if we don't do all that we can to mitigate the damage we have already done to global climate. In order to meet climate targets and avoid wasting money on unneeded gas infrastructure, we need to stop expanding the gas system and start shrinking it immediately. This means ending line extension subsidies for new gas connections, not increasing those subsidies as NW Natural has proposed. Commissioners, please reject NW Natural’s proposal to increase its ratepayer-funded subsidies for many new gas connections, and instead order it to end these outdated, expensive, and climate-damaging subsidies. Please build on the clear direction that you gave in NW Natural’s integrated resource plan to appropriately consider and incorporate electrification into the utility’s decarbonization strategy. We must do all that we can to reduce CO2 and methane in our atmosphere. NW Natural must be regulated to become part of a truly clean energy future and must not be allowed to continue with false, expensive "solutions." Sincerely, Alice Shapiro 2545 SW Terwilliger Blvd Apt 1105 Portland, OR 97201 | |||||
| UG 490-26 | 4/17/2024 12:32:30 AM | 4/15/2024 3:21:16 PM | General Comment | Cheryl.WALKER@puc.oregon.gov | From: Robert E. Rutkowski <r_e_rutkowski@att.net> Sent: Monday, April 15, 2024 3:17 PM To: PUC PUCHearings * PUC <puc.hearings@state.or.us> Subject: Public comment hearing on NW Natural's request for a general rate revision (UG 490) r_e_rutkowski@att.net<mailto:r_e_rutkowski@att.net>. Megan W. Decker Chair Oregon Public Utility Commission puc.hearings@state.or.us<mailto:puc.hearings@state.or.us> Re: Public comment hearing on NW Natural's request for a general rate revision (UG 490) Dear Chair: Oregon regulators will hold a public comment hearing Tuesday, April 16, on NW Natural's proposal to raise utility bills for gas customers by 18% starting next year. Residential NW Natural customers already pay on average 50% more than they did in 2020. NW Natural’s proposal seeks to expand subsidies to grow the gas system instead of investing more wisely in clean energy infrastructure. NW Natural is also looking to increase the company’s profitability through a higher return on investment at the expense of customers. Regulators should reject the utility's requested spending. Several organizations, represented by the Green Energy Institute at Lewis & Clark Law School and Earthjustice, are intervening in the rate case to keep rates affordable and equitable, while ensuring realistic decarbonization policies for NW Natural. In an Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC) ruling from the 2022 rate case, state regulators ordered NW Natural to reduce gas subsidy spending that encourages new homes to be built with gas. NW Natural’s current proposal ignores that order and instead asks to increase subsidies for new gas hookups by 25% – up to $3,600 per hookup. These subsidies would cost customers tens of millions annually and install unnecessary additional gas infrastructure that will be costly to maintain. The hearing comes as NW Natural has been under increasing scrutiny for their stringent opposition to climate action and for using ratepayer funds to support aggressive anti-climate lobbying and advertising across the state. Yours sincerely. Robert E. Rutkowski 2527 Faxon Court Topeka, Kansas 66605-2086 M:17855809271 E-mail: r_e_rutkowski@att.net<mailto:r_e_rutkowski@att.net> | |||||
| UG 490-27 | 4/17/2024 12:32:32 AM | 4/15/2024 11:14:18 AM | General Comment | 1953drahcir61@gmail.com | According to the MET Group, while carbon dioxide emission is lower than coal and oil, burning natural gas also releases methane, which is a strong greenhouse gas that leaks to the atmosphere in a big amount. Burning natural gas also emits carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). (MET Group is an integrated European energy company, with activities in natural gas and power, focused on multi-commodity wholesale, trading and sales, as well as energy infrastructure and industrial assets.) Methane is a much more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide as well, and "natural" gas is mostly made up of Methane. So, my comment then, is why grant a rate increase to a company that continues to pollute the environment? Terms like "Less than others" or "Cleaner than most" are oxymorons, because it is not clean at all and "Less than others" is no excuse, because natural gas still releases pollutants into our environment. So, why should taxpayers be made to pay more for a Natural Gas that not only is a cost burden to low income and other disproportionately disenfranchised communities, but continues to pollute the environment we are trying to clean up? | |||||
| UG 490-28 | 4/17/2024 12:32:36 AM | 4/15/2024 8:08:34 AM | General Comment | Ellie.KNOLL@puc.oregon.gov | Ellie Knoll (She/Her) Oregon Public Utility Commission 201 High Street SE • Salem, OR 97301 • 503-580-8638 • ellie.knoll@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:ellie.knoll@puc.oregon.gov> logo_color From: Eric Strid <ericwstrid@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, April 15, 2024 7:36 AM To: PUC PUC.FilingCenter * PUC <puc.filingcenter@puc.oregon.gov> Subject: NW Natural General Rate Case Comments ericwstrid@gmail.com<mailto:ericwstrid@gmail.com>. Chair Decker and Commissioners Tawney and Perkins, thank you for this opportunity to testify about NW Natural’s rate case. My name is Eric Strid and I’ve been a customer of NW Natural for over 25 years. During that time I completely electrified one of our houses, another kept methane only for a backup heating stove, and the other is awaiting the right induction cooktop before it will be free from methane pollution. My perspective is an outlier, in that I actually care about the train wreck we are leaving to our children and grandchildren. I am an engineer by training, cofounded a high-tech company in Beaverton, and took it public in 2004. I retired in 2012 but immediately went back to work on decarbonization when I realized that our climate change predicament was so desperate. And of course it has gotten far worse since then. From an economic perspective, our climate dilemma is much deeper than most people can fathom. Conservative estimates of the global cost of carbon emissions triangulated $200 to $800 per MTCO2e six years ago; meanwhile the traditionally libertarian Chicago school of economics recently estimated that $190 per MTCO2e emitted by global public companies equates to about 44% of their total operating income. In other words, if investors valued assets over a 50-year horizon instead of 50 weeks, your 401K would be totally worthless. The big picture for methane providers is that there is no future, so they continue to deploy Big Tobacco tactics to delay their inevitable demise. But OPUC is in the driver seat, and I commend your efforts to decarbonize NW Natural! OPUC should refuse any rate changes until NW Natural proposes an acceptable plan for an orderly shutdown of their emitting supplies—which is at least 90% of their current grid. If they still want to supply RNG, let them propose a plan for zero emissions with practical costs. Of course there are no solutions in that space, so in any case OPUC should require NW Natural to periodically (annually) disclose methane volumes delivered by branch of their grid, with enough spatial resolution that jurisdictions and communities can plan for pruning the branches as efficiently as possible. Pruning will require major long-term planning, and NW Natural will resist and sabotage any such efforts as vigorously as they can. Thank you for this opportunity to speak out. Eric Strid | |||||
| UG 490-29 | 4/16/2024 2:41:03 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | General Comment | Web | Jeffrey | Fish | PORTLAND | I am not if favor of the Oregon Public Utility Commission reducing the line extension allowance for natural gas. As a builder of single and multifamily entry level residences over the pst 50+ years, I still find the buying public looks for natural gas heating and cooking appliances. My buyers know there is a lot of discussion about going all electric with heating and cooking appliances, but like me, most of them have yet heard anyone explain how we are going to get too zero emission goals without using some form of fossil fuels in the future. There is not enough wind and solar power to convert to strictly electric energy heating and cooking platforms. Once we solve the problem of providing enough electric energy for electric automobiles and houses then I will be in favor of maybe reducing the extension line credit. We need to continue to offer more flexible and adaptive energy policies that gives the home buying public more choices for their home energy needs. Allowing the existing extension line credit to remain in effect, will help in providing affordable housing to the public in Oregon. Fish Construction NW, Inc. You also need to update your Selections (Industry and Company) at the bottom of this submittal so that we can enter (type) something relevant to this comment. | ||
| UG 490-3 | 3/12/2024 6:04:30 AM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | General Comment | Web | Paul | Chantiny | NORTH BEND | Fighting climate change requires us all to shoulder a part of the burden. If we increase the cost of a commodity, won't consumption decrease? Therefore, why isn't Oregon PUC sharply increasing the price of natural gas? | ||
| UG 490-30 | 4/16/2024 3:10:22 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | General Comment | Web | Jeffrey | Fish | PORTLAND | I am NOT in favor of the Oregon Public Utility Commission reducing the extension allowance for natural gas. As a builder of single and multi-family entry level homes over the last 50+ years , I still find the buying public looks for natural gas heating and cooking appliances. My buyers know there is a lot of discussion about going all electric with heating and cooking appliances , but like me, most of them have yet heard anyone explain how we are going to get zero emissions goals with out using some form of fossil fuels in the future. There is not enough wind and solar power to convert to strictly electric energy for automobiles and housing heating and cooking platforms. Once we solve the problem of providing enough electric energy for automobiles and housing then I will be in favor of maybe reducing the extension line credit. We need to continue to offer more flexible and adaptive energy policies that give the home buying public more choices for their home energy needs. Allowing the existing extension line credit to remain in effect will help in providing affordable housing to the public in Oregon. Jeff Fish, President, Fish Construction NW, Inc. | ||
| UG 490-31 | 4/16/2024 11:51:02 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | General Comment | Web | Ron | Davis | PORTLAND | NWN Gas request is unreasonable. The median salary is reported to be nearly 123,000; CEO compensation reported to be more than 3.6million, profits were up 10% and dividends paid last year were more than 76% of the reported net earnings. There is plenty of room in there to retain earnings rather than stick it to the consumer. The median Portland HOUSEHOLD income is reported to be 84,000. NWN seems to pay 46% more to individual employees than the average working couple earn -- another source of capital for NWN. No increase is warranted. An 18% increase in rates on top of the actual 30% per therm increase granted in November is unconscionable, unreasonable, unnecessary and contrary to the mandate given the PUC. | ||
| UG 490-32 | 4/17/2024 7:56:06 AM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | General Comment | Web | Dan | Doede | TIGARD | I would like to express my strong objection to NW Natural's proposed residential rate increase. My wife and I are on social security and live on a fixed income. The proposed rate increase is over 5 times the amount social security allowed for a cost of living adjustment this year and would cause us a significant hardship in our monthly budget. I know that the cost of everything is going up, but this amount of an increase is obscene. | ||
| UG 490-33 | 4/17/2024 8:43:09 AM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | General Comment | Web | GLENEDEN BEACH | I just heard on the news that NW Natural Gas wants to raise their rates 18%, it seems kind of sneaky to me the way their doing it, on my latest billing from them they mention on the bottom of the bill: "NW Natural is sharing over $29 million in bill credits as a result of efficient pipeline and gas storage management from the past year. You'll see the credits on your February and April bills." And then I hear on the news otherwise. I can see an increase but 18%! I remembered a time when Public Utility Companies were more rational about their rate increases and the PUC would do a better job of managing rational increases especially back in the 70's when they seemed more an advocate for the people. I know Oregon wants to get rid of all Fossil fuels as soon as possible but until that time people need gas to heat their homes and cook their food. Oregon is becoming a very expensive place to live and to people living within limited economic means, another 18% increase on their Utility Bills on top of everything else isn't going to help matters much. Thank you. | ||||
| UG 490-34 | 4/17/2024 12:14:34 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | General Comment | Web | Kim | Bogus | PORTLAND | Shame on you. Almost $100 million profit and you want more? So many people won't be able to afford this so they will turn down their heat and someone will die from the cold. And you will end up selling less gas. My thermostat is going down 18%. I'll wear two sweaters. | ||
| UG 490-35 | 4/17/2024 12:32:49 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | Oppose Docket | Web | Kourtney | Kuiper | SANDY | To whom it may concern, I wish to give my public comment opposing the rate increase proposed by NW Natural Gas as stated in UG 490. The heaviest hit group by the proposed rate increase are the everyday residents. We everyday residents are the same who are hardest hit by the PGE rate increase, our local garbage utility increases, our city water and sewer increases, our grocery bill increases, our rent increases, and every other financial impact on our day to day lives. NW Natural reported a $93 MILLION profit in 2023. How can utility company have such an enormous profit while still feeling like a substantial rate increase of 18.8% is justified? Yes, it may "only" be an average increase of $14/household but that stacked on top of the already innumerable financial increases that we everyday people are encountering feels astronomical. A company reporting that much profit should not be given the green light on a rate increase, and the compounding effects on every day residents from all utilities/service providers/state of inflation should be considered before allowing another rate increase from a CLEARLY very profitable company. | ||
| UG 490-36 | 4/17/2024 12:50:35 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | Oppose Docket | Web | Faith | Burlingame | MILWAUKIE | In a time when everyone is struggling to stay housed and put food on the table due to extensive corporate greed, it feels irresponsible to raise more rates. If we already have a homeless problem, maybe we shouldn’t add to it by causing more stress financially. It’s clear that they are making plenty of profits so maybe they should start making cuts within the company instead. | ||
| UG 490-37 | 4/17/2024 1:24:09 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | Oppose Docket | Web | Cara | May | MILWAUKIE | This is excessive, especially considering nw natural profited 93 million last year. This rate hike will hurt already struggling families, individuals, and seniors. | ||
| UG 490-38 | 4/17/2024 9:01:44 AM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | General Comment | Web | Rhonda | Meier | SPRINGFIELD | Things are so high and hard right now. My grandson has NW gas and his is turned off. He's trying to get ahead so he can turn it back on. Please don't increase it by 18%. Everyone is trying to get by. Thank you for hearing me. | ||
| UG 490-39 | 4/17/2024 12:10:55 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | General Comment | Web | Sarah | Wilkinson | MILWAUKIE | In a time of record profits (93 million) please consider not having such a huge increase (18% increase for residential). Families are struggling to make ends meet as it is. My husband and I both work full time and pinch pennies each month to put food on the table. Prices of essential items continue to rise when pay is not rising at the same rate. As a mother I worry every month how to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads, this should not be a worry when I work full time. | ||
| UG 490-4 | 3/16/2024 8:09:29 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | General Comment | Web | David | McNeel | OREGON CITY | Hi there, Figuring out your form is impossible for the average Oregonian. I am sure that the Commission wants it that way. I have lived in Oregon all of my 70 years. None of the climate mandates by Kate Brown have ever been voted on by the citizens of Oregon. So, go ahead and jack the electric utility rates to infinity and tax natural gas until the average Oregonian can't afford it. Fortunately the Oregon climate grows trees very well and Oregonians know how to drop trees by the thousands and split them into fire wood. Nothing like a hot fire in the dead of Winter. This Commission and the Climate Crazies think you have all of the answers. You will soon find out how wrong you are. This issue is no different than the tolling of Oregon Highways. Tina Kotek punted tolling to the Oregon Legislature like a hot potato! The PUC is next. Dave McNeel, Oregon City. | ||
| UG 490-40 | 4/17/2024 1:41:25 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | General Comment | Web | R. | Buchanan | MILWAUKIE | If NW Natural has made a $93 million profit last year I don’t believe that need to raise rates on their customers. It seems that corporations everywhere are raising prices during this time of inflation. The consumers are struggling with the high prices and the corporations are making huge profits off of it! Give us a break. | ||
| UG 490-41 | 4/17/2024 4:39:28 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | General Comment | Web | Michael | Schilling | DALLAS | Fowler Real Estate Group is in support of NWNG proposal on having a reverse Line Extension Allowance (LEA). To be clear on what being proposed is to offer a higher allowance for decreasing the possible therm usage of Natural Gas. The idea is unique approach and one we believe is in the correct direction for the future of affordability and resiliency of future housing while taking into consideration sustainability and emissions. One of Governor Kotek's top priorities is for housing growth and housing affordability. Fowler Real Estate Group purchase raw property, take it through entitlement, develop the property and then build homes. We develop approx 150-200 lots per year. Selling half the lots and producing 60-90 homes per year. The majority of our production are smaller homes, townhouses and apartments. Currently the LEA have covered the cost of getting the line to the home. Any reduction of the LEA will cause the lot cost to rise and be passed on in higher housing costs. Our clients continue to seek the ability to have gas for an energy option. Two thoughts: 1) Low density housing (larger more expensive homes) will continue to desire gas as a choice and will be able to pay for the additional cost even if LEA are reduced. 2) Medium/High density housing, which is where most of the middle housing/more affordable homes and multifamily are constructed. If LEAs are reduced, then we risk the resiliency of this type of housing or we decrease the affordability of this housing type (Governor's priority). To be clear as a builder/developer we are very concerned about both. Several years ago Texas had an ice storm that caused a long power outage. Homes there are typically heated/cooled with heat pumps and mini split systems that rely on the electrical grid. Lives were lost due to the cold. Texas is much further south. Oregon, even in the Willamete Valley, experience colder temps and power outages. So as we are switching our middle housing and mutifamily to heat pumps and minisplit systems the ability to offer gas as a backup (Resiliency) becomes necessary to avoid power or heat loss. So we are faced with a choice if LEAs are decreased for our middle and mutifamily housing: A) Provide a home that has less resilience than currently offered at an "affordable" price. (Risky proposition) or B) Provide a home that is more expensive, but posses resilience. (Fewer individuals will be able to afford.) Again, Fowler Real Estate Group supports the continuation of LEAs as proposed by NWNG to allow for continued building of resilient and affordable housing. By providing a reverse therm LEA as proposed we can accomplish goals of the PUC and continue to provide affordable housing. | ||
| UG 490-42 | 4/17/2024 8:01:57 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | Oppose Docket | Web | Vanessa | Fulton | MILWAUKIE | I oppose the proposal for NW Natural raising rates. In 2023 they raised rates, added 15,000+ accounts, and cut pension expenses. They are still making a hefty profit and this is just a cash grab. Residential customers shouldn't have to foot the majority of the bill, again. | ||
| UG 490-43 | 4/18/2024 12:32:13 AM | 4/17/2024 10:00:34 AM | General Comment | bill.mason.pdx@gmail.com | I am writing in protest of NWNG's request for an 18.8% Residential increase. UG 490 as it is requested is not reasonable. The below statement by NWNG needs to be questioned. Are the costs necessary? Do they need all of the money now? Do they really need all of the items they list? Why is NWNG not absorbing many of these items as cost? The stockholders of NWNG should share in this burden as they reap the profits. 'NW Natural claims these proposed rate increases are "necessary to account for the construction of seismically resilient regional resources, addressing capacity constraints on the system, actions to comply with federal pipeline and safety requirements, a meter modernization program, modernization of information and technology service systems, and inflation."' Sure, new meters would be nice, but are they necessary. Meter readers work fine, have the customer report usage and check it a couple of times a year if they want to reduce cost. Modernization of information and technology service systems, why? This becomes a joke after a while, old systems work for a long time and a new system won't make the gas any better. My wife and I are retired and live basically on a fixed income. What little we receive has been eaten up by other utility increase, the cost of gasoline, groceries which are a major part of our expenses and the general cost of living. We cannot afford a 19% increase in our gas bill. NWNG needs to learn to deal with what they have, not what they want. Respectfully, Bill Mason Clackamas County. | |||||
| UG 490-44 | 4/18/2024 12:32:16 AM | 4/17/2024 9:30:37 AM | General Comment | Ellie.KNOLL@puc.oregon.gov | Ellie Knoll (She/Her) Oregon Public Utility Commission 201 High Street SE • Salem, OR 97301 • 503-580-8638 • ellie.knoll@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:ellie.knoll@puc.oregon.gov> logo_color From: Chuck Areford <vicearoy@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 17, 2024 8:34 AM To: PUC PUC.FilingCenter * PUC <puc.filingcenter@puc.oregon.gov> Subject: NW Natural General Rate Case Comments vicearoy@gmail.com<mailto:vicearoy@gmail.com>. Chair Decker and Commissioners Tawney and Perkins, thank you for reading this email testimony. My name is Chuck Areford and I have lived in Eugene for thirty-five years. Ever since my neighbor had natural gas installed several years ago, I routinely smell natural gas on my front and back porch. I contacted Northwest Natural who promptly investigated. They pointed out that the exhaust outlet for my neighbor’s natural gas was pointed at my house and the gas I smelled was the normal unburned gas whenever the air and water heating systems start-up and shut-down. This considerable amount of methane pollution would be classified as post-consumer use and rarely calculated as a greenhouse gas emission under any system. Please deny the request of Northwest Natural to increase their rates. Here in Eugene, NWN has talked about and pledged to reduce emissions since 2018. During this time, if they met their local growth targets, they would have increased their distribution by three percent a year, and over the last five years, that is fifteen percent. During this time, they may have reduced their emissions by a tenth of a percent with renewable natural gas. In other words, their emissions continue to steadily increase while they publicly talk about emission reduction. According to Robert Howarth of Cornell University, the leading expert on methane leakage/emissions from natural gas, natural gas is “far worse” than coal for our climate. The 2022 Harvard study of methane leakage in the Permian Basin, the largest fossil fuel production area in the country, found a leak rate of nine percent, which would make natural gas from this area three or four times worse for the climate than coal. Also, recent research has found when natural gas is cheaper, fossil fuel corporations tend to vent and flare more natural gas. By my estimate, during each of the last three years here in the Willamette Valley, we have had thirty days when the air was hazardous because of wildfire smoke. We are finding just how damaging these smoke particles are. It didn’t used to be this way and the forecast for our air quality over the next decade is dismal. For the first time ever, I think of relocating from Eugene. Air and ocean temperatures skyrocketed last year leaving scientists without a good explanation, but most believe that methane is a major factor in this runaway heating. Please do not support a price increase that will be used to further expand natural gas infrastructure with increased methane emissions that degrade our health and our quality of life. Sincerely, Charles Areford 2386 Stansby Way Eugene, OR 97405 541-687-6978 | |||||
| UG 490-45 | 4/18/2024 12:32:19 AM | 4/17/2024 9:29:38 AM | General Comment | Ellie.KNOLL@puc.oregon.gov | Ellie Knoll (She/Her) Oregon Public Utility Commission 201 High Street SE • Salem, OR 97301 • 503-580-8638 • ellie.knoll@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:ellie.knoll@puc.oregon.gov> logo_color From: Christopher Hale <christopherghale@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 10:12 PM To: PUC PUC.FilingCenter * PUC <puc.filingcenter@puc.oregon.gov> Subject: NW Natural General Rate Case Comments christopherghale@gmail.com<mailto:christopherghale@gmail.com>. Chair Decker, and Commissioners Tawney and Perkins, As an ER doctor, I see the impacts of the climate crisis firsthand. Our ERs overflow with patients suffocating from wildfire smoke. Tropical diseases work their way northward into our country. Record breaking temperatures cause heat stroke and death. As a father of two young children, I lose sleep worrying about the future they’ll live in. Will it be a future of environmental collapse, worsening extreme weather, crop failure, political unrest over dwindling resources? Or will they live in an environmentally sustainable world? In order to leave a livable and enjoyable world for our children, we need to decarbonize our energy system as soon as possible. The only realistic and cost effective way for gas utilities like NW natural comply with Oregon’s climate goals is through investments in electrification. Unfortunately, NW Natural is continuing to use ratepayer dollars to offer exorbitant subsidies to connect homes and businesses to the gas system. Continuing to build new gas infrastructure is a waste of money when, in order to meet our state’s climate goals, we need to stop expanding the gas system and start shrinking it immediately. I’m also troubled that NW Natural continues to pursue expensive, dangerous, and unrealistic energy sources like biogas and hydrogen blending. The claims the gas company has been making about the availability, costs, and benefits of so-called renewable natural gas and hydrogen are unrealistic at best, and deliberately misleading at worst. Additionally, they only delay our transition to a decarbonized energy system, and puts huge financial risks on NW Natural’s customers. Additionally, we Oregonians are already at great risk from the explosive nature of natural gas, given this region’s very high likelihood of a massive earthquake that we are likely to experience in the next few decades. Remaining dependent on such a dangerous fuel source is a catastrophe waiting to happen. You already gave guidance in NW Natural’s integrated resource plan, directing them to pursue electrification. It’s imperative that you build on those directions. As a NW Natural customer, and an Oregonian, I want our utility to be focused on an electrification-based decarbonization strategy in line with expert analysis, relying on proven technology. Please reject NW Natural’s proposal to increase ratepayer funded subsidies for new gas connections. These subsidies are outdated, expensive, and climate-damaging. I urge you to listen to the countless ratepayers, as well as local government leaders, who are calling for a managed transition to all electric homes and buildings, as soon as possible. The existential threat presented by the climate crisis requires that we take historically bold efforts NOW. You may be facing pressures to do nothing, or to be “politically safe” and choose a “middle ground.” But in a crisis, choosing anything but the most ambitious and far reaching plan is the unsafe choice. The decisions YOU make right now will decide the future our children live in. Thank you, Dr. Christopher Hale | |||||
| UG 490-46 | 4/18/2024 12:32:22 AM | 4/17/2024 9:29:37 AM | General Comment | Ellie.KNOLL@puc.oregon.gov | Ellie Knoll (She/Her) Oregon Public Utility Commission 201 High Street SE • Salem, OR 97301 • 503-580-8638 • ellie.knoll@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:ellie.knoll@puc.oregon.gov> logo_color From: Nora Lehmann <nora@familiesforclimate.org> Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 6:14 PM To: PUC PUC.FilingCenter * PUC <puc.filingcenter@puc.oregon.gov> Subject: NW Natural General Rate Case Comments nora@familiesforclimate.org<mailto:nora@familiesforclimate.org>. Chair Decker and Commissioners Tawney and Perkins, thank you for the opportunity to testify this evening. My name is Nora Lehmann, I’m a mom of two young children and tonight I’m speaking on behalf of Families for Climate. We are a grassroots non-profit mobilizing parents, kids and families for climate justice and a livable future for all. We request that the Commission reject Northwest Natural’s attempt to expand their system of methane pipelines at their customers’ expense, and at the expense of a livable climate for our children. A recent NOAA report1 confirmed that in 2023 emissions of methane and carbon dioxide continued to surge to historic highs. Oregonian families are relying on decision-makers to set policy that ensures fossil fuel usage actually declines; not prop up false solutions like biogas and hydrogen blending, which have been demonstrated to be scarce, expensive, and dangerous. The plain fact is that in order to meet our climate targets, we must start shrinking the gas pipeline system—not expanding it. Please build on your guidance from NW Natural’s integrated resource plan by directing the utility to pursue electrification, which is the only feasible, proven path to meeting its decarbonization obligations. In the context of our fragile and rapidly devolving climate, and the fact that Oregon has yet to actually meet any of its GHG pollution reduction benchmarks2, it's imperative to ensure that ratepayers aren't subsidizing the growth of fossil fuel infrastructure. Given this concern, we urge the commission to instruct NW Natural to discontinue its line extension allowance. As parents, grandparents and caretakers, we have an obligation to do everything we can to protect our children’s health and safety, and we thank the PUC for their work and for considering our testimony. _______________________________________________ 1. 2. 3. https://research.noaa.gov/2024/04/05/no-sign-of-greenhouse-gases-increases-slowing-in-2023/ 4. 5. 6. 7. https://www.opb.org/article/2023/04/14/oregon-must-cut-more-greenhouse-gas-emissions-to-reach-climate-goal-panel-says/ 8. | |||||
| UG 490-47 | 4/18/2024 12:32:24 AM | 4/17/2024 7:18:15 AM | General Comment | babsorrell@yahoo.com | Please quit giving these utilities huge raises. My husband and I are on a fixed income. We can not afford another blow like this to our income. We have never seen such high utilities as we have seen the last year. It is getting very hard to pay. We don't bring in a lot of money we are not wealthy by a long shot. It is also very hard to pay for groceries as well. Also paying for the high increase in medical expenses we don't have anymore money. I guess we could live on the streets . This is so ridiculous. Maybe they should reexamine on how they spend money. Also living in Multnomah County is very difficult as it is because of ridiculously high property taxes and water rates. If the increase happens I'm afraid we are going to have to move. I also understand some people don't like gas. We had an oil furnace prior to converting to gas. Gas is so much cleaner than oil. We could always smell the oil burning while using the furnace. So thankful we changed to gas. With my husband having multiple myeloma and now having to have aortic aheurysm surgery and me having to have a knee replacement. It is all too much. Please please don't allow this to happen. Thank you, Barbara Sorrell | |||||
| UG 490-48 | 4/18/2024 12:32:27 AM | 4/16/2024 7:30:36 PM | General Comment | jane@janestackhouse.com | Chair Decker and Commissioners Tawney and Perkins. I am submitting my testimony in writing in the interest of time. Technical difficulties are unavoidable and I appreciate you working around them to give the most people time to comment. I encourage you to review the testimony submitted by Dr. Pat DeLaquil on behalf of MCAT (Mobilizing Climate Action Together). I have been an active member of this group since it was formed to focus on climate pollution in Oregon. I am also a trained Climate Reality Project Leader and am horrified by the damage done to our environment by methane gas. I am certain you are aware scientists have calculated that methane is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in its impact on global warming. There are alternatives and we must do everything we can to convince the methane gas companies to decrease the use of gas. I live in a 99 year old duplex in NE Portland. I am testifying on April 16, 2024 to ask that you deny the NW Gas Company’s request for rate increases to expand their gas distribution system and to counter the risk to their shareholders related to changes in the industry. As a former NW Gas customer, I am not concerned for my own pocket book. I had the gas line to my home cut in 2020. And yes, we have lived through power outages and survived as well as we did prior to removing the gas furnace and range. The gas furnaces need electricity to operate. My camping stove on the porch cooked as well as the old gas range. My home is well insulated and although it was a bit chilly, we put on extra clothes. Watch for the signs that signify all electric homes. We are growing in number. I ask you to deny the request for a rate increase because the last thing any of us need is more methane, so called ‘renewable’ or not, circulating beneath our streets, polluting our air, and endangering our neighborhoods. I am gas free but I still live next to pipes that could rupture or leak, catch fire or explode. So-called 'renewable' gas has the same fire and explosion potential and climate pollution. I was fortunate in that I could refinance at a low interest rate and complete the full Stackhouse electrification process at one time. I feel for low-income customers and renters who do not have that option. Customers should not have to pay for the short sightedness of their energy provider, especially those customers who have limited options. We must remember that the new gas installed today will be polluting well into the future. Several builders presented issues they have encountered with electricity and the electric utility companies. These are problems to be solved, not to justify additional gas. We must focus on building our clean energy generation and modernization of the electric transmission infrastructure. As the climate changes and we have more severe cold weather I may even be looking for battery backup. I will never go back to the polluting methane (fossil or new) that is destroying our climate and endangering future generations. NW Gas has viable business options if they could just get out of the mindset that they are in the business of piping gas into buildings. Denying the rate increase may help them consider other business models. I hope that you do so. Jane Stackhouse 503.284.1049 jane@janestackhouse.com<mailto:jane@janestackhouse.com> -- Jane Stackhouse 503.284.1049 jane@janestackhouse.com<mailto:jane@janestackhouse.com> | |||||
| UG 490-49 | 4/18/2024 12:32:30 AM | 4/16/2024 7:12:04 PM | General Comment | tmills@Hayden-Homes.com | tmills@hayden-homes.com. I Travis Mills second what Mike Erdman, the second gentleman who testified, had to say and am in support of the line extension allowance proposal. Thanks, Travis Mills | Regional Construction Manager cid:image001.png@01DA9031.E8FCF4A0 2464 SW Glacier PL | Redmond, OR 97756 P: 541.228.6919 E: tmills@hayden-homes.com<mailto:tmills@hayden-homes.com> My why: “To provide stability and support with conviction so that myself and others can live enriched lives.” | |||||
| UG 490-5 | 3/18/2024 11:48:38 AM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | General Comment | Web | Callie | Sacarelos | PORTLAND | Consumer group asks Oregon regulators to dismiss new PGE rate hike request: https://www.oregonlive.com/environment/2024/03/consumer-group-asks-oregon-regulators-to-dismiss-new-pge-rate-hike-request.html 5 takeaways: Why are Oregon power rates going up so fast?: https://www.oregonlive.com/environment/2024/03/5-takeaways-why-are-oregon-power-rates-going-up-so-fast.html Why are Oregon electric, gas rates going up so fast?: https://www.oregonlive.com/environment/2024/03/why-are-oregon-electric-gas-rates-going-up-so-fast-beat-check-podcast.html Oregon’s second-largest utility seeks big rate hike, again. Here’s why https://www.oregonlive.com/environment/2024/02/oregons-second-largest-utility-seeks-big-rate-hike-again-heres-why.html PGE wins approval for largest rate increase in two decades: https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2023/11/pge-customers-will-pay-more-for-electricity-in-2024.html Here’s how much PGE, Pacific Power electric bills will increase starting January: https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2023/12/heres-how-much-pge-pacific-power-electric-bills-will-increase-starting-january.html PacifiCorp wants state to protect it from future wildfire lawsuits. Past victims are disgusted: https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2023/11/pacificorp-wants-state-to-protect-it-from-future-wildfire-lawsuits-past-victims-are-disgusted.html Pacific Power seeking 12.2% rate increase in 2023: https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2022/03/pacific-power-seeking-122-rate-increase-in-2023.html Here’s how much your electric bill is going up in January: https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2023/01/brace-yourself-heres-how-much-your-electric-bill-is-going-up-in-january.html Portland leaders inch up water rates they just cut, citing desire to aid low-income renters: https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2023/05/portland-leaders-inch-up-water-rates-they-just-cut-citing-desire-to-save-program-to-aid-low-income-renters.html NW Natural’s proposed rate hike unfairly saddles customers with costs of bonuses, profits: https://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/2022/03/opinion-nw-naturals-proposed-rate-hike-unfairly-saddles-customers-with-costs-of-bonuses-profits.html Oregon natural gas utility can’t ask customers to pay for political spending, new pipelines: https://www.oregonlive.com/environment/2023/10/oregon-natural-gas-utility-cant-ask-customers-to-pay-for-political-spending-new-pipelines.html Oregon gas company using ratepayer money to fight state climate program: https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2023/07/oregon-gas-company-using-ratepayer-money-to-fight-state-climate-program.html Get ready, your NW Natural gas bill’s going up: https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2019/11/get-ready-your-nw-natural-gas-bills-going-up.html PacifiCorp may ask utility regulators to let it pass wildfire litigation costs to customers: https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2023/06/pacificorp-may-ask-utility-regulators-to-pass-its-wildfire-litigation-costs-to-customers.html Amid ongoing pandemic, Portlanders will pay more for water and sewage: https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2021/02/amid-ongoing-pandemic-portlanders-will-pay-more-for-water-and-sewage.html PGE says ‘ill conceived’ trades cost the utility at least $104m; stock slides 8.3%: https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2020/08/pge-says-ill-conceived-trades-cost-the-utility-at-least-104-million-stock-slides-83.html | ||
| UG 490-50 | 4/18/2024 12:54:17 AM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | Oppose Docket | Web | Desiree | Dietz | MILWAUKIE | With over $93 million in profit, there is no reason for this rate increase. This will be a hardship for nearly all residents. The proposal is over $150 for a year. For those making minimum wage that’s nearly one and a half days of full time work extra a year to pay this. Our community is already is financial dire straights due to corporate inflation based on greed and not actual socioeconomic inflation. | ||
| UG 490-51 | 4/18/2024 7:20:56 AM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | Oppose Docket | Web | Laurem | Bean | PORTLAND | Nw natural should not increase rates more. It costs too much to heat my house. It costs me $85 a month if I am not home and I set heat at 50° for an entire month. If I use it, it is closing in on $200 a month, which is more than I have paid to heat and cool my house, even when I lived in a home there times the size as the home I do now. They make a hefty profit, utilities should not profit huge sums on necessary services that endanger people's lives if they can't afford it. | ||
| UG 490-52 | 4/18/2024 9:05:21 AM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | Oppose Docket | Web | Amber | Edwards | DALLAS | We just had a rate increase for electric now you want to increase our gas? How do you expect people to survive especially the elderly with price increases like this? Y’all should be ashamed of yourselves! | ||
| UG 490-53 | 4/18/2024 10:23:00 AM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | Oppose Docket | Web | Mercer | Moore | PORTLAND | According to NW Natural's own publicly available financial results, their profit (net income) is up to $93.9 million for 2023; higher than the previous year's $86.3 million by a large margin. There is no justification for higher rates other than increased corporate profits. I firmly oppose the 18.8% increase as it prioritizes shareholder profits over providing the utility services to the public that is its theoretical goal. | ||
| UG 490-54 | 4/18/2024 9:02:47 AM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | General Comment | Web | William | Lauer | CORVALLIS | I do NOT support the rate increase proposed by Northwest Natural. We need to reduce our fossil fuel impact on our environment rather than promoting it by subsidizing natural gas. | ||
| UG 490-55 | 4/17/2024 8:26:48 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | Oppose Docket | Web | Christy | Sarsland | DALLAS | I hope I clicked the right one. I am opposing the rate adjustment proposed for Northwest natural gas. It is not our responsibility to pay for Northwest natural infrastructure upgrades. This is something they should have padded into their bottom line instead of paying their shareholders that they want to now, increase the cost to all of the people in the area seems like it is only because PGE and Pacific power are also doing it, and they are jumping on the bandwagon. While they say a percentage increase is only $15-$20. In reality, it is usually much more than that their estimates are never what they are an actual fact.. | ||
| UG 490-56 | 4/18/2024 2:26:02 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | General Comment | Web | steven | jackson | SALEM | I was reading the paper about a meeting for rate hike for NW Natural. I know seniors living in houses around me having to cut back on food to stay in their house. This rate increase is going to create a homeless crisis as we will have seniors living on the streets. The PUC needs to be smart with any rate hikes we decide on. If there is a rate hike I am going to find something that is not being done right. The PUC needs to keep seniors in mind. This rate hike is around 28-29%. I will do background checks and be all over the PUC if we allow the rate increase as we don’t have the right to ask anymore of seniors. | ||
| UG 490-57 | 4/18/2024 7:41:49 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | Oppose Docket | Web | MILWAUKIE | These rate increases disproportionately affect low income and residential customers. Northwest Natural should not be allowed to increase the rates beyond inflation rates if they are still posting a profit. | ||||
| UG 490-58 | 4/19/2024 6:49:29 AM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | Oppose Docket | Web | Leighton | Paul | PORTLAND | $93 million dollars in profit last year? We absolutely do not need these rate hikes. I really hope you can make the right decision here. Thank you for your time! | ||
| UG 490-59 | 4/19/2024 6:49:29 AM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | Oppose Docket | Web | Leighton | Paul | PORTLAND | $93 million dollars in profit last year? We absolutely do not need these rate hikes. I really hope you can make the right decision here. Thank you for your time! | ||
| UG 490-6 | 3/18/2024 8:43:19 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | General Comment | Web | Jennifer | Priest | PORTLAND | Thank you a million times to the PUC for standing up to the gas companies! https://www.opb.org/article/2024/03/15/oregon-natural-gas-companies-fail-approval-climate-action-plans/ | ||
| UG 490-60 | 4/19/2024 11:40:56 AM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | General Comment | Web | Robert | Uriartd | LEBANON | I am speaking for a lot of seniors on SS. It's hard enough to keep their homes w/ property taxes let alone with rates that keep increasing. Everyone at senior center feels the same way. | ||
| UG 490-61 | 4/22/2024 2:46:22 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | General Comment | Web | Maureen | Stone | GRESHAM | I am concerned about NW Natural increasing their rates by 18% in Nov. I am on a fixed income so what is the PUC going to do? How to handle this? This rate increase is going to take seniors out of houses they have been in for 50 yrs as we can’t afford these increases on a fixed income. This is ridiculous! The CEO’s shouldn’t get big raises and live like the rest of us. When on SS our income does not go up but utility rates do, it's not going to work! | ||
| UG 490-62 | 4/21/2024 3:18:19 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | General Comment | Web | Ron | Hyde | OREGON CITY | I'm certain the voting public were unaware of these costs, this is insane. If there is money for foreign aid, there is money to do this at zero cost to rate payers. If not to abolish this B.S., put it to vote again WITH the costs | ||
| UG 490-63 | 4/23/2024 2:49:45 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | Support Docket | Web | Erik | Andersson | SALEM | Chair Decker, Commissioner Tawney, and Commissioner Perkins: The Strategic Economic Development Corporation (SEDCOR) shares our support for the Line Extension Allowance proposal from NW Natural. This Line Extension Allowance will provide the Mid-Willamette Valley region with a valuable resource which will help to attract and retain the traded sector businesses that are vital to our economy. SEDCOR is a nonprofit, regional economic development organization, working with private and public partners to enhance and diversify the Mid-Willamette Valley economy. As such, we are always seeking ways to improve opportunities to attract new businesses and support existing business growth. This Line Extension Allowance is in alignment with the strategic priorities upon which SEDCOR operates. SEDCOR supports healthy businesses, good jobs, and strong communities by finding, creating, and cultivating economic opportunities in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. To carry any project across the finish line involves an expansive and intricate network of passionate people with a shared vision. Since 1982, SEDCOR has built and strengthened positive and productive partnerships with industry leaders, utility providers, nonprofits, business advocacy groups, community organizations, commodity boards, state and federal agencies, local governments, and more. That is why we are reaching out today to share our support for the Line Extension Allowance proposal from NW Natural. SEDCOR sees two significant and directly related Economic Development benefits to this proposal. Housing Availability: This first-of-its-kind approach prioritizes low emission homes while balancing the need for housing growth in our state in a way that supports more affordability in building costs and energy security. As an economic development organization, we have heard time and again that access to workforce housing is a significant barrier to finding and retaining employees in traded sector work. When we see policies which aid in the growth and availability of accessible housing in our region, we feel obligated to share our voice on the matter. Business Expansion and Recruitment: It is not uncommon for SEDCOR to receive inquiries from businesses looking to expand existing operations, but where utility infrastructure challenges are a limiting factor. Likewise, when we receive recruitment inquiries, we must focus on areas where utility infrastructure can meet the needs of the business in question. This can limit our scope, which limits the potential for the region. NW Natural’s Line Extension Allowance will provide the necessary growth of utility infrastructure into regions of our state that are ideal for economic development. We urge this commission’s support and approval of NW Natural’s Line Extension Allowance Proposal and hope that you will consider these economic development and community impacts alongside the additional messages of support received for this proposal. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Erik Andersson, President | ||
| UG 490-64 | 4/24/2024 12:34:21 AM | 4/22/2024 7:27:00 PM | General Comment | jaeraegypsy0929@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the NW Natural rate case (UG 490). As a NW Natural customer, I’m worried about how an 18% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. An increase this large does not need to happen right now. Since 2020, NW Natural rates have increased by more than 50%. We cannot afford another big rate increase this winter. As the cost of living remains high, raising bills this much will have a significant negative impact on my household and fellow Oregonians. We have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years. NW Natural and all other for-profit utilities should be subject to limited rate increases. I support the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board’s proposal to limit rate increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lowest. I also do not want my bills to go toward expanding NW Natural’s customer base. The Commission ruled in 2022 that NW Natural must reduce its expansion subsidy (the line extension allowance). The Commission also approved the elimination of Avista Gas’s subsidy just last year. Please do not allow NW Natural to increase its subsidy to up to $3,600. I urge the Commission to reduce this increase wherever possible, create limits on rate increases, and make utility rates more affordable. Sincerely, Mrs Jamie Reynolds Gordon 149 1st St Prospect, OR 97536-0048 jaeraegypsy0929@yahoo.com | |||||
| UG 490-65 | 4/24/2024 12:34:24 AM | 4/22/2024 4:07:31 PM | General Comment | mandimsmith4@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the NW Natural rate case (UG 490). As a NW Natural customer, I’m worried about how an 18% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. Most Oregonians cost-of-living increases do NOT make a notable difference with all the sky-high increases on life's basic necessities. An increase this large does not need to happen all at once. Since 2020, NW Natural rates have increased by more than 50%. We cannot afford another big rate increase this winter. As the cost of living remains high, raising bills this much will have a significant negative impact on my household and fellow Oregonians. We have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years. NW Natural and all other for-profit utilities should be subject to limited rate increases. I support the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board’s proposal to limit rate increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lowest. I also do not want my bills to go toward expanding NW Natural’s customer base. The Commission ruled in 2022 that NW Natural must reduce its expansion subsidy (the line extension allowance). The Commission also approved the elimination of Avista Gas’s subsidy just last year. Please do not allow NW Natural to increase its subsidy to up to $3,600. I urge the Commission to reduce this increase wherever possible, create limits on rate increases, and make utility rates more affordable. Sincerely, Ms. Mandi Smith 2711 W Powell Blvd Apt 176 Gresham, OR 97030-6647 mandimsmith4@gmail.com | |||||
| UG 490-66 | 4/24/2024 12:34:26 AM | 4/22/2024 3:57:53 PM | General Comment | jacquelineh@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the NW Natural rate case (UG 490). As a NW Natural customer, I’m worried about how an 18% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. An increase this large does not need to happen right now. Since 2020, NW Natural rates have increased by more than 50%. We cannot afford another big rate increase this winter. As the cost of living remains high, raising bills this much will have a significant negative impact on my household and fellow Oregonians. We have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years. NW Natural and all other for-profit utilities should be subject to limited rate increases. I support the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board’s proposal to limit rate increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lowest. I also do not want my bills to go toward expanding NW Natural’s customer base. The Commission ruled in 2022 that NW Natural must reduce its expansion subsidy (the line extension allowance). The Commission also approved the elimination of Avista Gas’s subsidy just last year. Please do not allow NW Natural to increase its subsidy to up to $3,600. I urge the Commission to reduce this increase wherever possible, create limits on rate increases, and make utility rates more affordable. Sincerely, Miss Jacqueline Hale 411 NE Going St Apt 6 Portland, OR 97211-3366 jacquelineh@selfenhancement.org | |||||
| UG 490-67 | 4/24/2024 12:34:30 AM | 4/22/2024 12:26:22 PM | General Comment | janelles@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the NW Natural rate case (UG 490). As a NW Natural customer, I’m worried about how an 18% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. An increase this large does not need to happen right now. Since 2020, NW Natural rates have increased by more than 50%. We cannot afford another big rate increase this winter. As the cost of living remains high, raising bills this much will have a significant negative impact on my household and fellow Oregonians. We have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years. NW Natural and all other for-profit utilities should be subject to limited rate increases. I support the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board’s proposal to limit rate increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lowest. I also do not want my bills to go toward expanding NW Natural’s customer base. The Commission ruled in 2022 that NW Natural must reduce its expansion subsidy (the line extension allowance). The Commission also approved the elimination of Avista Gas’s subsidy just last year. Please do not allow NW Natural to increase its subsidy to up to $3,600. I’m a working single parent and cannot afford this increase. If this increase passes, I will have to decide between food and heat. I won’t have both. I urge the Commission to reduce this increase wherever possible, create limits on rate increases, and make utility rates more affordable. Sincerely, Ms. JaNelle Samuels 3519 NE 15th Ave Ste 182 Portland, OR 97212-2356 janelles@selfenhancement.org | |||||
| UG 490-68 | 4/24/2024 12:34:33 AM | 4/22/2024 11:50:29 AM | General Comment | ebeck42@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the NW Natural rate case (UG 490). As a NW Natural customer, I’m worried about how an 18% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. An increase this large does not need to happen right now. Since 2020, NW Natural rates have increased by more than 50%. We cannot afford another big rate increase this winter. As the cost of living remains high, raising bills this much will have a significant negative impact on my household and fellow Oregonians. We have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years. NW Natural and all other for-profit utilities should be subject to limited rate increases. I support the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board’s proposal to limit rate increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lowest. I also do not want my bills to go toward expanding NW Natural’s customer base. The Commission ruled in 2022 that NW Natural must reduce its expansion subsidy (the line extension allowance). The Commission also approved the elimination of Avista Gas’s subsidy just last year. Please do not allow NW Natural to increase its subsidy to up to $3,600. I urge the Commission to reduce this increase wherever possible, create limits on rate increases, and make utility rates more affordable. Sincerely, Mr. Ethan Beck 2500 NE Couch St Portland, OR 97232-3169 ebeck42@yahoo.com | |||||
| UG 490-69 | 4/24/2024 12:34:35 AM | 4/22/2024 11:39:08 AM | General Comment | jessicab@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the NW Natural rate case (UG 490). As a NW Natural customer, I’m worried about how an 18% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. An increase this large does not need to happen right now. Since 2020, NW Natural rates have increased by more than 50%. We cannot afford another big rate increase this winter. As the cost of living remains high, raising bills this much will have a significant negative impact on my household and fellow Oregonians. We have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years. NW Natural and all other for-profit utilities should be subject to limited rate increases. I support the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board’s proposal to limit rate increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lowest. I also do not want my bills to go toward expanding NW Natural’s customer base. The Commission ruled in 2022 that NW Natural must reduce its expansion subsidy (the line extension allowance). The Commission also approved the elimination of Avista Gas’s subsidy just last year. Please do not allow NW Natural to increase its subsidy to up to $3,600. I urge the Commission to reduce this increase wherever possible, create limits on rate increases, and make utility rates more affordable. Sincerely, Ms. Jessica Beatty 2500 NE Couch St Portland, OR 97232-3169 jessicab@selfenhancement.org | |||||
| UG 490-7 | 4/1/2024 5:54:43 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | General Comment | Web | Neel | Patel | PORTLAND | Hello! My name is Neel Patel and I live in Portland, OR (97209). I write to express my concern about methane pollution from our utilities and discuss how the Oregon Public Utilities Commission can play a clean role in decarbonizing our grid. I first want to thank you for all the work you have done so far. I read on OPB that you are keeping the pressure on the 3 “natural gas” companies in Oregon to comply with our greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. I commend you three (Ms Decker, Ms Tawney, and now Mr. Perkins) on this climate focused action. These companies will try everything they can do to keep using methane when a rapid reduction in methane is one of the best things we can do right now to fight the climate crisis. From your actions, it is clear that you understand the issues with methane- the 80x global warming effect compared to carbon dioxide, the abundance of leaks in the supply chain, and the public health and safety risks, including explosions, degraded indoor air quality, and worsening respiratory conditions. As a physician in our community (I am a radiologist at OHSU), I am particularly concerned about how climate change and fossil fuel pollution interact to worsen human health and well being. We are already feeling the climate change related health effects today: increased extreme weather, more heat related illnesses, asthma and respiratory diseases from particular pollution, and tropical diseases expanding from the tropics (like Dengue in Puerto Rico and Florida). Methane gas usage is particularly harmful. A peer reviewed study (PMID: 36612391) found that gas stove use indoors is attributable to 12.7% of childhood asthma. These effects will only get worse unless we can decarbonize quickly and effectively. Natural gas companies and other fossil fuel companies will continue to spread misinformation to downplay the climate and health risks to the detriment of regular Oregonians and to the benefit of their bottom line. However public utilities like Oregons should keep the pressure up to force them to make changes to reduce emissions that will benefit all of us, including the people that work at those companies! I urge you to take strong action in regulating methane emissions from utilities, like imposing stricter leak detection standards, efficiency requirements for aging gas infrastructure, or rate-setting and rules that help incentivize cleaner sources of electricity. You can also impose regulations that encourage the switch from gas heating and cooking to electrification. Thank you for your hard work so far and keep up the fight to decarbonize our grid. -Neel Patel, MD | ||
| UG 490-70 | 4/24/2024 12:34:38 AM | 4/22/2024 10:54:04 AM | General Comment | johnmaddalena@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the NW Natural rate case (UG 490). As a NW Natural customer, I’m worried about how an 18% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. An increase this large does not need to happen right now. Since 2020, NW Natural rates have increased by more than 50%. We cannot afford another big rate increase this winter. As the cost of living remains high, raising bills this much will have a significant negative impact on my household and fellow Oregonians. We have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years. NW Natural and all other for-profit utilities should be subject to limited rate increases. I support the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board’s proposal to limit rate increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lowest. I also do not want my bills to go toward expanding NW Natural’s customer base. The Commission ruled in 2022 that NW Natural must reduce its expansion subsidy (the line extension allowance). The Commission also approved the elimination of Avista Gas’s subsidy just last year. Please do not allow NW Natural to increase its subsidy to up to $3,600. I urge the Commission to reduce this increase wherever possible, create limits on rate increases, and make utility rates more affordable. Sincerely, Mr. JOHN MADDALENA 2509 NE Flanders St Apt 202 Portland, OR 97232-3191 johnmaddalena@gmail.com | |||||
| UG 490-71 | 4/24/2024 12:34:40 AM | 4/22/2024 6:32:50 AM | General Comment | oldshoe78@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the NW Natural rate case (UG 490). As a NW Natural customer, I’m worried about how an 18% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. An increase this large does not need to happen right now. Since 2020, NW Natural rates have increased by more than 50%. We cannot afford another big rate increase this winter. As the cost of living remains high, raising bills this much will have a significant negative impact on my household and fellow Oregonians. We have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years. NW Natural and all other for-profit utilities should be subject to limited rate increases. I support the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board’s proposal to limit rate increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lowest. I also do not want my bills to go toward expanding NW Natural’s customer base. The Commission ruled in 2022 that NW Natural must reduce its expansion subsidy (the line extension allowance). The Commission also approved the elimination of Avista Gas’s subsidy just last year. Please do not allow NW Natural to increase its subsidy to up to $3,600. I urge the Commission to reduce this increase wherever possible, create limits on rate increases, and make utility rates more affordable. Sincerely, Mr. Ian Nelson 6010 SW River Rd Hillsboro, OR 97123-9134 oldshoe78@frontier.com | |||||
| UG 490-72 | 4/24/2024 12:34:43 AM | 4/21/2024 2:07:57 PM | General Comment | travismulliniks@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the NW Natural rate case (UG 490). As a NW Natural customer, I’m worried about how an 18% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. An increase this large does not need to happen right now. Since 2020, NW Natural rates have increased by more than 50%. We cannot afford another big rate increase this winter. As the cost of living remains high, raising bills this much will have a significant negative impact on my household and fellow Oregonians. We have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years. NW Natural and all other for-profit utilities should be subject to limited rate increases. I support the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board’s proposal to limit rate increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lowest. I also do not want my bills to go toward expanding NW Natural’s customer base. The Commission ruled in 2022 that NW Natural must reduce its expansion subsidy (the line extension allowance). The Commission also approved the elimination of Avista Gas’s subsidy just last year. Please do not allow NW Natural to increase its subsidy to up to $3,600. I urge the Commission to reduce this increase wherever possible, create limits on rate increases, and make utility rates more affordable. Sincerely, Mr. Travis Mulliniks 1723 NW Lincoln St Albany, OR 97321-1225 travismulliniks@msn.com | |||||
| UG 490-73 | 4/24/2024 12:34:45 AM | 4/21/2024 1:07:47 PM | General Comment | aaronmmclaughlin@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the NW Natural rate case (UG 490). As a NW Natural customer, I’m worried about how an 18% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. An increase this large does not need to happen right now. Since 2020, NW Natural rates have increased by more than 50%. We cannot afford another big rate increase this winter. As the cost of living remains high, raising bills this much will have a significant negative impact on my household and fellow Oregonians. We have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years. NW Natural and all other for-profit utilities should be subject to limited rate increases. I support the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board’s proposal to limit rate increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lowest. I also do not want my bills to go toward expanding NW Natural’s customer base. The Commission ruled in 2022 that NW Natural must reduce its expansion subsidy (the line extension allowance). The Commission also approved the elimination of Avista Gas’s subsidy just last year. Please do not allow NW Natural to increase its subsidy to up to $3,600. I urge the Commission to reduce this increase wherever possible, create limits on rate increases, and make utility rates more affordable. Sincerely, Mr. Aaron McLaughlin 1198 Heather Ln SE Salem, OR 97302-3215 aaronmmclaughlin@gmail.com | |||||
| UG 490-74 | 4/24/2024 12:34:47 AM | 4/21/2024 11:11:04 AM | General Comment | heatherhegeman@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the NW Natural rate case (UG 490). As a NW Natural customer, I’m worried about how an 18% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. An increase this large does not need to happen right now. Since 2020, NW Natural rates have increased by more than 50%. We cannot afford another big rate increase this winter. As the cost of living remains high, raising bills this much will have a significant negative impact on my household and fellow Oregonians. We have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years. NW Natural and all other for-profit utilities should be subject to limited rate increases. I support the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board’s proposal to limit rate increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lowest. I also do not want my bills to go toward expanding NW Natural’s customer base. The Commission ruled in 2022 that NW Natural must reduce its expansion subsidy (the line extension allowance). The Commission also approved the elimination of Avista Gas’s subsidy just last year. Please do not allow NW Natural to increase its subsidy to up to $3,600. I urge the Commission to reduce this increase wherever possible, create limits on rate increases, and make utility rates more affordable. Sincerely, Mrs. Heather Randall 1807 Westminster Pl Stayton, OR 97383-9528 heatherhegeman@icloud.com | |||||
| UG 490-75 | 4/24/2024 12:34:51 AM | 4/21/2024 10:40:53 AM | General Comment | alanakebert@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the NW Natural rate case (UG 490). As a NW Natural customer, I’m worried about how an 18% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. An increase this large does not need to happen right now. Since 2020, NW Natural rates have increased by more than 50%. We cannot afford another big rate increase this winter. As the cost of living remains high, raising bills this much will have a significant negative impact on my household and fellow Oregonians. We have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years. NW Natural and all other for-profit utilities should be subject to limited rate increases. I support the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board’s proposal to limit rate increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lowest. I also do not want my bills to go toward expanding NW Natural’s customer base. The Commission ruled in 2022 that NW Natural must reduce its expansion subsidy (the line extension allowance). The Commission also approved the elimination of Avista Gas’s subsidy just last year. Please do not allow NW Natural to increase its subsidy to up to $3,600. I urge the Commission to reduce this increase wherever possible, create limits on rate increases, and make utility rates more affordable. Sincerely, Miss Alana Ebert 892 Ponderosa St Independence, OR 97351-4613 alanakebert@icloud.com | |||||
| UG 490-76 | 4/24/2024 12:34:53 AM | 4/21/2024 10:39:02 AM | General Comment | brandonebert780@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the NW Natural rate case (UG 490). As a NW Natural customer, I’m worried about how an 18% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. An increase this large does not need to happen right now. Since 2020, NW Natural rates have increased by more than 50%. We cannot afford another big rate increase this winter. As the cost of living remains high, raising bills this much will have a significant negative impact on my household and fellow Oregonians. We have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years. NW Natural and all other for-profit utilities should be subject to limited rate increases. I support the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board’s proposal to limit rate increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lowest. I also do not want my bills to go toward expanding NW Natural’s customer base. The Commission ruled in 2022 that NW Natural must reduce its expansion subsidy (the line extension allowance). The Commission also approved the elimination of Avista Gas’s subsidy just last year. Please do not allow NW Natural to increase its subsidy to up to $3,600. I urge the Commission to reduce this increase wherever possible, create limits on rate increases, and make utility rates more affordable. Sincerely, Mr. Brandon Ebert 892 Ponderosa St Independence, OR 97351-4613 brandonebert780@yahoo.com | |||||
| UG 490-77 | 4/24/2024 12:34:55 AM | 4/21/2024 10:37:36 AM | General Comment | ebertk16@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the NW Natural rate case (UG 490). As a NW Natural customer, I’m worried about how an 18% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. An increase this large does not need to happen right now. Since 2020, NW Natural rates have increased by more than 50%. We cannot afford another big rate increase this winter. As the cost of living remains high, raising bills this much will have a significant negative impact on my household and fellow Oregonians. We have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years. NW Natural and all other for-profit utilities should be subject to limited rate increases. I support the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board’s proposal to limit rate increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lowest. I also do not want my bills to go toward expanding NW Natural’s customer base. The Commission ruled in 2022 that NW Natural must reduce its expansion subsidy (the line extension allowance). The Commission also approved the elimination of Avista Gas’s subsidy just last year. Please do not allow NW Natural to increase its subsidy to up to $3,600. I urge the Commission to reduce this increase wherever possible, create limits on rate increases, and make utility rates more affordable. Sincerely, Mrs. Keri Ebert 892 Ponderosa St Independence, OR 97351-4613 ebertk16@yahoo.com | |||||
| UG 490-78 | 4/24/2024 12:34:57 AM | 4/21/2024 10:06:22 AM | General Comment | bclaypool@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the NW Natural rate case (UG 490). As a NW Natural customer, I’m worried about how an 18% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. An increase this large does not need to happen right now. Since 2020, NW Natural rates have increased by more than 50%. We cannot afford another big rate increase this winter. As the cost of living remains high, raising bills this much will have a significant negative impact on my household and fellow Oregonians. We have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years. NW Natural and all other for-profit utilities should be subject to limited rate increases. I support the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board’s proposal to limit rate increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lowest. I also do not want my bills to go toward expanding NW Natural’s customer base. The Commission ruled in 2022 that NW Natural must reduce its expansion subsidy (the line extension allowance). The Commission also approved the elimination of Avista Gas’s subsidy just last year. Please do not allow NW Natural to increase its subsidy to up to $3,600. This is completely unacceptable! Basically pricing every homeowner out of a home while the CEO’s benefits package is 6 million +. Do better for the people of oregon!!! I urge the Commission to reduce this increase wherever possible, create limits on rate increases, and make utility rates more affordable. Sincerely, Mr. Barry Claypool 1885 4th St NE Salem, OR 97301-8319 bclaypool@hotmail.com | |||||
| UG 490-79 | 4/24/2024 12:35:00 AM | 4/21/2024 9:57:59 AM | General Comment | samuelerickson21@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the NW Natural rate case (UG 490). As a NW Natural customer, I’m worried about how an 18% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. An increase this large does not need to happen right now. Since 2020, NW Natural rates have increased by more than 50%. We cannot afford another big rate increase this winter. As the cost of living remains high, raising bills this much will have a significant negative impact on my household and fellow Oregonians. We have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years. NW Natural and all other for-profit utilities should be subject to limited rate increases. I support the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board’s proposal to limit rate increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lowest. I also do not want my bills to go toward expanding NW Natural’s customer base. The Commission ruled in 2022 that NW Natural must reduce its expansion subsidy (the line extension allowance). The Commission also approved the elimination of Avista Gas’s subsidy just last year. Please do not allow NW Natural to increase its subsidy to up to $3,600. I urge the Commission to reduce this increase wherever possible, create limits on rate increases, and make utility rates more affordable. Sincerely, Mr. Samuel Erickson 9533 N Ivanhoe St Portland, OR 97203-1411 samuelerickson21@gmail.com | |||||
| UG 490-8 | 4/4/2024 12:33:48 AM | 4/2/2024 4:46:29 PM | General Comment | grahamswilliams@gmail.com | grahamswilliams@gmail.com<mailto:grahamswilliams@gmail.com>. Strongly oppose! How can we live in this state with your tax tax tax and now increase in electric & water & gas! ??? We are all fed up! If we leave the state guess what - you get NO revenue | |||||
| UG 490-80 | 4/24/2024 12:35:03 AM | 4/21/2024 9:47:21 AM | General Comment | haysky1996@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the NW Natural rate case (UG 490). As a NW Natural customer, I’m worried about how an 18% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. An increase this large does not need to happen right now. Since 2020, NW Natural rates have increased by more than 50%. We cannot afford another big rate increase this winter. As the cost of living remains high, raising bills this much will have a significant negative impact on my household and fellow Oregonians. We have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years. NW Natural and all other for-profit utilities should be subject to limited rate increases. I support the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board’s proposal to limit rate increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lowest. I also do not want my bills to go toward expanding NW Natural’s customer base. The Commission ruled in 2022 that NW Natural must reduce its expansion subsidy (the line extension allowance). The Commission also approved the elimination of Avista Gas’s subsidy just last year. Please do not allow NW Natural to increase its subsidy to up to $3,600. I urge the Commission to reduce this increase wherever possible, create limits on rate increases, and make utility rates more affordable. Sincerely, Mrs. Brandy Wheelis 20868 Rorick Dr Bend, OR 97701-7213 haysky1996@gmail.com | |||||
| UG 490-81 | 4/24/2024 12:35:05 AM | 4/21/2024 9:29:53 AM | General Comment | forephipps@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the NW Natural rate case (UG 490). As a NW Natural customer, I’m worried about how an 18% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. An increase this large does not need to happen right now. Since 2020, NW Natural rates have increased by more than 50%. We CANNOT afford another big rate increase this winter. As the cost of living remains high, raising bills this much will have a significant negative impact on my household and fellow Oregonians. We have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years. NW Natural and all other for-profit utilities should be subject to limited rate increases. I support the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board’s proposal to limit rate increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lowest. I also do NOT want my bills to go toward expanding NW Natural’s customer base. The Commission ruled in 2022 that NW Natural must reduce its expansion subsidy (the line extension allowance). The Commission also approved the elimination of Avista Gas’ subsidy just last year. Please do not allow NW Natural to increase its subsidy to up to $3,600. I urge the Commission to reduce this increase wherever possible, create limits on rate increases, and make utility rates more affordable. Sincerely, Mrs. Tracy Phipps 19559 Saddlehorn Ct Oregon City, OR 97045-6971 forephipps@gmail.com | |||||
| UG 490-82 | 4/24/2024 12:35:07 AM | 4/21/2024 8:12:59 AM | General Comment | toddjtattoos@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the NW Natural rate case (UG 490). As a NW Natural customer, I’m worried about how an 18% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. An increase this large does not need to happen . Since 2020, NW Natural rates have increased by more than 50%. We cannot afford another big rate increase this winter. As the cost of living remains high, raising bills this much will have a significant negative impact on my household and fellow Oregonians. We have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years. NW Natural and all other for-profit utilities should be subject to limited rate increases. I support the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board’s proposal to limit rate increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lowest. I also do not want my bills to go toward expanding NW Natural’s customer base. The Commission ruled in 2022 that NW Natural must reduce its expansion subsidy (the line extension allowance). The Commission also approved the elimination of Avista Gas’s subsidy just last year. Please do not allow NW Natural to increase its subsidy to up to $3,600. I urge the Commission to reduce this increase wherever possible, create limits on rate increases, and make utility rates more affordable. Sincerely, Mr. Todd Janeczek 1560 17th St NE Salem, OR 97301-7904 toddjtattoos@gmail.com | |||||
| UG 490-83 | 4/24/2024 12:35:10 AM | 4/21/2024 2:02:29 AM | General Comment | ramiel.anzu@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the NW Natural rate case (UG 490). As a NW Natural customer, I’m worried about how an 18% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. An increase this large does not need to happen right now. Since 2020, NW Natural rates have increased by more than 50%. We cannot afford another big rate increase this winter. As the cost of living remains high, raising bills this much will have a significant negative impact on my household and fellow Oregonians. We have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years. NW Natural and all other for-profit utilities should be subject to limited rate increases. I support the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board’s proposal to limit rate increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lowest. I also do not want my bills to go toward expanding NW Natural’s customer base. The Commission ruled in 2022 that NW Natural must reduce its expansion subsidy (the line extension allowance). The Commission also approved the elimination of Avista Gas’s subsidy just last year. Please do not allow NW Natural to increase its subsidy to up to $3,600. I urge the Commission to reduce this increase wherever possible, create limits on rate increases, and make utility rates more affordable. Sincerely, Mrs. Ramiel Anzu 1580 NE 32nd Ave Apt 117 Portland, OR 97232-3554 ramiel.anzu@gmail.com | |||||
| UG 490-84 | 4/24/2024 12:35:11 AM | 4/20/2024 11:45:29 PM | General Comment | thespencerzoo@everyactioncustom.com | Dear Public Comments Oregon Public Utility Commission, I am writing to comment on the NW Natural rate case (UG 490). As a NW Natural customer, I’m worried about how an 18% rate increase for residential customers will impact my household. An increase this large does not need to happen right now. Since 2020, NW Natural rates have increased by more than 50%. We cannot afford another big rate increase this winter. As the cost of living remains high, raising bills this much will have a significant negative impact on my household and fellow Oregonians. The power bill on my hone has increased substantially since I bought it. We have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years. NW Natural and all other for-profit utilities should be subject to limited rate increases. I support the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board’s proposal to limit rate increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lowest. I also do not want my bills to go toward expanding NW Natural’s customer base. The Commission ruled in 2022 that NW Natural must reduce its expansion subsidy (the line extension allowance). The Commission also approved the elimination of Avista Gas’s subsidy just last year. Please do not allow NW Natural to increase its subsidy to up to $3,600. I urge the Commission to reduce this increase wherever possible, create limits on rate increases, and make utility rates more affordable. Sincerely, Mrs California Spencer 1249 Ironwood Dr Grants Pass, OR 97526-5991 thespencerzoo@gmail.com | |||||
| UG 490-85 | 4/24/2024 12:35:13 AM | 4/20/2024 9:46:46 PM | General Comment | westgatedesign@icloud.com | Dear NW Natural - You already charge A LOT of money. Some of us are unable to pay for this ridiculous rate increase. Can you not see people are struggling? Is all about money for you? When will you ever have enough money to satisfy you? All companies want is the most possible money they can take, and take, and take from consumers. Please stop!! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!! Maybe you could cut your CEO and CFO’s salaries a tad. They are making tons of money!!!!!!!!! | |||||
| UG 490-86 | 4/24/2024 12:35:16 AM | 4/19/2024 4:21:03 PM | General Comment | b4vrr00t3d@icloud.com | PUC, You have already raised rates 8% during the Pandemic and it is hurting residential customers. Two years ago, NW Natural put out a low income discount for consumers like myself due to the pandemic. Then people were hurting and struggling to pay their bills, Now you are trying to raise rates again another 18%, which will again hurt residential customers. As a consumer, and living on less than $950 a month from Social Security. if NW Natural raises the gas rate another 18% (approximately $24) consumers like myself will have to choose between certain essentials, like heating their home, food or medication. Making that choice for some people like myself, who has a disability it could be a deadly decision. I do not want to face consequences, because I had to make the choice between heating my home, medication, or food, I rely on these three basics. My income is tight. I not only provide for myself I provide for my service dog on the above income. I would not be able to do that with the proposed increase. Any utility company should not be allowed to raise their rate more than the COLA. The COLA 2023 what is 3.2%. You have more than doubled the increase for NW Natural already. Consumers like myself have a hard time affording things as it is because of inflation being at a 40 year high. Leave NW Natural rates where they are. An 18% increase will hit consumers like myself very hard.. A lot of it will go to shareholders which is wrong. The shareholders see enough profit. Consumers are hurting like I said above, NW Natural started a discount program for low income individuals during the pandemic, but now with a 18% proposed increase the discount would be more than wiped out. The proposed increase stinks of corporate greed. Leave the NW Natural rates where they are! Do not adjust them more than the COLA Rate! Vikki Cosentino | |||||
| UG 490-87 | 4/24/2024 12:35:18 AM | 4/19/2024 12:43:10 PM | General Comment | gina.briergoldens@gmail.com | To the he PUC - As a senior citizen living on a fixed income under 26,000.00 a year I need to point out with the cost of living unstable in Oregon I can't do much more! COLA 2023= 3.2. Other considerations: Looking at profit percentages of 'large corporations soaring and again the unstable economy with day to day expenses on the average up 30% (food fuel and other essentials). The fact that homeowner insurance in most of Oregon has increased by as much as 80% since 2020. The approved Portland General Electric increase 20 to 30 % this year must be considered. As it stands with PGE, we paid them to do their job (keeping lines safe) yet they didn't and now we are paying again for what they didn't do.... In closing, while I may not understand this, how is it the brunt falls on residential rates? "While residential rates would increase 18.8% under the proposal, commercial and industrial rates would be smaller. Small commercial accounts would see rates rise 16.8%, medium commercial rates would go up 9.0% and large commercial would increase 7.2%. Large industrial would go up 3.6%." Thank you for your consideration, Virginia Carr 1060 S Pacific Hwy Woodburn, OR 97071 503-804-8344 | |||||
| UG 490-88 | 4/24/2024 12:35:20 AM | 4/19/2024 12:32:40 AM | General Comment | jenvbend@aol.com | I am opposed and appalled to hear that NW Natural is back asking for an 18% residential rate increase. This is outrageous given they have been granted raises and seem to think that Oregonians can afford to either pay or freeze! The Oregon Citizens Utility Board, a consumer advocate group, said if the rate increase is approved as submitted, the company will have raised rates by 50% since 2020 . This is unfortunately not the only increase we have all seen since 2020 --from electric rates and food prices, to medicines we are all feeling the pinch in our daily routines. What or who suffers? We have less to spend in supporting our overall local economies --no theater, no movies, no eating out, no weekend getaways to the coast, no live music events, no extra purchases, etc. And for many, these cuts are more challenging when they are on social security income or minimum wage jobs --I have a good job and find it increasingly challenging to balance the budget each month. It has been hard to deal with the increases in monthly utility rates, from water to electric and now gas again!? Why are utilities not asking the legislature or our congress representatives for infrastructure dollars to support needed investments and upgrades?. Shouldn't we have put more dollars into our own state and not the pockets of the rich owners of these companies and the stock market? Asking the working people of Oregon to fix backlog in maintenance and additional construction is like wringing a dry rag. We should have long ago required the electric utilities in Oregon to pay to put solar panels on every roof possible to harness a more progressive future. Stop asking individuals to bear the brunt of what should be investment for the future. So many people are living on the edge these days, it doesn't take much to push someone out of their ability to stay housed and we've seen such high increases in utility prices in Oregon it makes me fear that while our legislature has been trying to invest in housing, there are more detabiliing forces hitting the average person. And I used to believe the PUC was on the side of the Oregonian--and so this current post-pandemic period has been really shocking and something I never thought I would see in Oregon --but it seems that the PUC has been more inclined to rubberstamp requests at the expense of the taxpayers and profits for the corporations. Please try to solve the needed investments in infrastructure without individuals can just continue to pay more and more. My utilities have more than doubled and I am a super-energy conscious type person. We keep the heat at 65 even on the coldest days, and turn it down lower at night. Still my bills didn't even show conservation. I participate in the electric alerts from PGE to reduce power use on days when surges are expected and while I shut down use of dishwashers, dryers, fans, and other things when a heat emergency hits, the "savings" I see is almost never over 5 cents for participating. I am clearly opposed to another rate increase. The current trend in the PUC to support these requests which have now doubled since 2020 is alarming. Jennifer Valentine 5581 Hawk Hill St SE Salem, OR 97306 jenvbend@aol.com | |||||
| UG 490-89 | 4/24/2024 12:35:24 AM | 4/18/2024 11:51:17 AM | General Comment | musicnutjoe55@gmail.com | Resident, Damian Centanni 866 Sunrise Drive Stayton, Oregon 97383 ph. 503.767.3576. Retired Truck Driver here, barely surviving on a 'fixed income' . I don't get ANY increase on my monthly Pension payments! Northwest Natural doesn't deserve ANOTHER gouging 18% increase! No! No more Rate Hikes, for a few years! This proposed Hike, will have raised my rates by 50% since 2020! Bull crap! Outrageous! LINE EXTENSION ALLOWANCES given to the already wealthy Home Developers, from MY hard-earned monthly payments, is APPALLING, and they should be embarrassed by even asking for Current Homeowners to foot-the-bill towards future not-yet-built developments is LUDICROUS! No More Rate Increases! Commissioners, stand with your current homeowners this time! Vote NO 18% increase!! Thank You in advance. Mr Centanni. | |||||
| UG 490-9 | 4/5/2024 12:32:24 AM | 4/3/2024 6:15:58 PM | NORTHWEST NATURAL | General Comment | kate97405@gmail.com | No increase! We are in our 70s, on a fixed income and this would raise our bill by $40 each month. NW turned off the gas while my husband was in cancer treatment. Left a card but never bothered to knock on the door. I prefer a 20% DECREASE please. Kate Fuller Sent from my iPad | ||||
| UG 490-90 | 4/24/2024 12:35:26 AM | 4/18/2024 11:46:03 AM | General Comment | kuleana404@gmail.com | The line extension allowance encourages new connections, which is contrary to Oregon's goal to reduce use of natural gas. I have solar panels and backup batteries which is a better solution. The line extension allowance should be done away with. | |||||
| UG 490-91 | 4/24/2024 12:35:28 AM | 4/18/2024 11:16:13 AM | General Comment | justenm@olsencommunities.com | My name is Justen Maron, partner with Olsen Communities LLC. We develop land and build custom homes in Salem and Monmouth. I attempted to address the commission at the public comment meeting Tuesday, but unfortunately had to jump off the call before my turn to speak. Below are my written comments: There are many aspects of this rate case, I would only like to comment on one: Please support the proposed Line Extension Allowance. As a developer and builder, we have a unique business model. We generally build every lot in our development, and we let people design a home that fits their lifestyle rather than force them into cookie cutter designs. That is especially true when it comes to appliances, heating types, and energy resilience. Our buyers are savvy, and want choices when it comes to how to heat their homes and water, cook their food, and prepare for power outages. In the last 12 months, we’ve built homes with heat pumps, gas furnaces, ductless systems, heat pump and tankless water heaters, as well as PV solar systems and gas generator backups. (lots of gas generators). Gone are the days of a builder like us specifying what appliances get used in a home. We have to embrace that change is happening, and the customer wants to choose the mechanicals in their home. We are under construction of our 5th phase of development at Fairview Addition in Salem. Because it has been a couple years since our last phase was built, we were totally shocked to get a $24k invoice for the current line extension. That adds about $1000 to our COST on every lot we develop, even more if we don’t install gas furnaces in every home! With the current LEA plan, this will only increase in future phases. The new proposal gives consumers the power to choose, and helps keep development costs from growing even higher. I thank you for considering this forward thinking proposal, which emphasizes redundancy and consumer choice, and actually targets lower overall gas consumption. This proposal incentivizes more hookups, with fewer therms consumed, which feels like a compromise that both sides could agree on. Thank you again for your time and consideration. Sincerely, JUSTEN MARON | C 503.798.8443 PO Box 9 | 170 W Main St | Monmouth OR 97361 HorizontalLockupsBrandColours copy.png | |||||
| UG 490-92 | 4/24/2024 12:35:30 AM | 4/18/2024 9:58:18 AM | General Comment | bearseatbeets@hotmail.com | Hello, I am a Salem resident and homeowner and am so scared of this possible rate increase. They're a for profit company, so clearly the increase is to just pocket morw money for the investors and higher ups!? I can barely afford the pge massive increase that somehow was allowed to pass. Pge is basically owned by blackrock, might I add. Anyways, I am against this rate increase because it hurts people and hurts families. I can guarantee you that the $8 decrease in the average bill last year was because of cost, not northweat natural buying cheaper gas! Where will it stop? | |||||
| UG 490-93 | 4/24/2024 12:35:33 AM | 4/18/2024 9:23:31 AM | General Comment | jltourtel@gmail.com | I strongly oppose the rate increase being asked for by Northwest Natural. In my opinion, environmental concerns must come first right now, and supporting this industry is not in keeping with those concerns. As Josh Salinger argued, supporting sustainability in housing construction is what will be both environmentally sound and cost effective in the long run. Please consider the long term effects of your decisions. Thank you. Julie Tourtellotte | |||||
| UG 490-94 | 4/24/2024 12:35:35 AM | 4/18/2024 9:22:32 AM | General Comment | arielle.white@gmail.com | Hello, and thank you for your time. I've just read about NW Natural's proposed residential rate increase of 18%, and I'm shocked, and definitely not in favor of this. Between the overall cost of living and PGE's recent rate increases, utility companies in Oregon are sapping people's incomes and making it even more difficult to afford living. Per Statesman Journal article, this increase would likely bring them an additional $159.4 MILLION. “Unfortunately, we have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years,” the CUB said in a statement. Among the investments the company is seeking to make are $21 million in software updates, $13.3 million in office building upgrades and $9 million for a pipe replacement on the north Oregon Coast." These cited upgrades, while I'm sure are not the complete list, total to $43.3 million. $159.4 - $43.3 and they've got an additional $116 million. Where does that go? Executives' pockets? I cited the PGE rate increase because I am one adult living with one other adult. We don't use excessive amounts of power. While our highest bill happened during winter, after the rate increase, we hit a new high of $237 for one month. Maybe other households would not consider that high but again: We are two adults who do not run electronics in rooms we're not in. At most, when it's dark we have a light on in the rooms we're in, plus maybe one other and our outdoor lights. If gas prices are hiked 18%, I don't know how we're supposed to stay warm in the colder months; we also do not set our thermostat higher than 69 degrees during winter. Instead, we'll put on additional layers and switch on low-power-usage space heaters. We are existing during a time where wages are stagnant or increases, when they happen, cannot keep pace with cost of living increases; plenty of companies are price gouging us just because they can, while calling it inflation. There's insufficient consumer protections, and our government largely doesn't seem to care all that much. Please do not allow this rate increase to pass. Arielle White Salem, Oregon | |||||
| UG 490-95 | 4/24/2024 12:35:37 AM | 4/17/2024 5:49:20 PM | General Comment | glitteredcrow@gmail.com | Thank you for the opportunity to.comment. I'd like assurances from NW Natural that if the proposed 18% rate increase is approved that it would be specifically tied to the infrastructure proposed and not into the general fund of the company. If it is ties to specific projects that they provide budget projections and other economic forecasts to show how patrons money is being spent. With record profits, its unjust to charge consumers such a high additional charge, one that exceeds the current inflation rate and is quite onerous to consumers, particularly in light of all other utilities and property tax levys on the table. Wages are not going up to keep up with the rate increases! As to the additional charges to offset line hook ups, I feel that is in direct conflict with the States efforts to reduce our carbon footprint. It's well known that gas appliances are not able to run on clean energy, and many are tied to the electrical grid as it is. In the event of power outages, many gas appliances will not be operable and building new housing to accommodate a likely outdated source is irresponsible. Just as electric vehicles will be the norm in 15-20 years, clean energy appliances will also become the norm. As consumers, we are not going to be giving up electric/battery power, so it doesn't make sense to steer new home buyers into a system that will be obsolete within the potential life span of the appliances they'll be hooking up to those gas lines. It's not a justifiable expense to charge consumers for a rebate to the developers. Again, considering interest rates and housing costs, there is little to no value added to the consumer and all to the developers and NW Natural. Additionally, spreading that cost on to existing customers is like a tax on us. I encourage you to deny these proposed increases. Unfortunately I have been unable to research the justification for the proposed rate increase, but I'd like to think that the PUC has looked at the financial proposals. I worked as a Regulator issuing permits for certain development and improvements and part of the review included a justification of purpose and need for the project. To determine if it was in the public interest, and that included financial disclosures. If the PUC looks at that in their decision making, I'd say NW Natural isn't meeting the public interest at this time and the double digit rate increase should be denied. The proposed rate increase to offset new hook up incentives also does not fit within the public interest when there are better, more viable options for services. Thank you for considering my comments. Anita Huffman 4245 Auburn Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301 503-339-5185 | |||||
| UG 490-96 | 4/24/2024 12:35:39 AM | 4/17/2024 5:15:41 PM | General Comment | husker4u@gmail.com | I am totally against significant increases to support Northwest natural gas. Nearly 50% increase over the last few years with this new proposal. Any people are on fixed and limited incomes and cannot afford this additional Levy Thanks MArk Hoops | |||||
| UG 490-97 | 4/24/2024 12:35:42 AM | 4/17/2024 4:08:38 PM | General Comment | tammylof@yahoo.com | To whom it may concern, Residential gas usage should show the least increase, there are many on fixed incomes and since the federal government is trying to not allow new construction with gas appliances, we need to survive. My husband is a double amputee and has to be kept at a comfortable temperature during the winter time. Please, NW Natural has been showing a profit for years, please have mercy on those of us who are heading into our golden years and not getting cost of living raises in income. Thanks for your consideration in this matter. Tammy Lofgren Oregon City, Oregon Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer | |||||
| UG 490-98 | 4/24/2024 12:35:44 AM | 4/17/2024 2:36:37 PM | General Comment | gina.ambrose1@gmail.com | From: Gina Roman <gina.ambrose1@gmail.com<mailto:gina.ambrose1@gmail.com>> Sent: Wednesday, April 17, 2024 1:04 PM To: PUC PUC.FilingCenter * PUC <puc.filingcenter@state.or.us<mailto:puc.filingcenter@state.or.us>> Subject: NW Natural General Rate Case, Docket # UG 490 gina.ambrose1@gmail.com<mailto:gina.ambrose1@gmail.com>. To whom this may concern, My name is Gina Roman and I am a citizen of Portland. I am concerned about the egregious rate increase proposed by NW Natural and am writing in strong opposition to this proposal. We are living in a time where it has become increasingly expensive, and honestly downright unsustainable, to live in Portland. Inflation continues to persist with the cost of staple pantry items at an all time high, Childcare rates are astronomical, housing inventory is at an all-time low with historically high interest rates, and we have one of the highest rates of taxation in the country. With all of these headwinds, NW Natural already posted record breaking profits last fiscal year. (https://ir.nwnaturalholdings.com/news/news-details/2024/NW-Natural-Holdings-Reports-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-2023-Results/default.aspx ) This is a prime example of corporate greed shrouded in necessary "infrastructure improvements". Please consider the people who will shoulder this burden, the customers and reject this rate increase proposal. Kind regards, Gina | |||||
| UG 490-99 | 4/24/2024 12:35:46 AM | 4/17/2024 2:33:37 PM | General Comment | dedicatedmomfor4@gmail.com | From: Cadynna Adair <dedicatedmomfor4@gmail.com<mailto:dedicatedmomfor4@gmail.com>> Sent: Wednesday, April 17, 2024 8:23 AM To: PUC PUC.FilingCenter * PUC <puc.filingcenter@state.or.us<mailto:puc.filingcenter@state.or.us>> Subject: UG 490 dedicatedmomfor4@gmail.com<mailto:dedicatedmomfor4@gmail.com>. 1. In the attached document under "Email" it states "... the docket number (starts with "AR")." Yet in the upper right hand corner "Special Public Meeting NWN UG 490 Rate Revision Public Comment Hearing Notice & Agenda." This needs to be corrected. 2. Why is it that the residents are paying a greater percentage then businesses? |