Puget Sound Energy successfully lobbies for lower heating bills

One of the worst parts about winter is the increase in the utilities bill after cranking up the heat in the house.

As the cooler weather settles in this winter season, Puget Sound Energy residential gas customers will see a drop in their rates, according to a company press release.

On Oct. 19, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission approved multiple requests from Puget Sound Energy which combined will decrease average natural gas rates by 9.2 percent for residential customers. This means an average household using 64 therms per month would see a decrease of $6.02, bringing their bill to $59.16, the press release stated.

The lowered natural gas bills are the result of adjustments reflecting market prices for gas supplies the utility purchases for customers and the costs of operating the natural gas system, the press release stated.

With the approved lower rates, natural gas bills for the heating season are roughly at the same level as they were in 2004.