NW Natural customers in Beaverton will see their gas bills climb about $6.30 a month starting Saturday, Oct. 31.

The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) approved a 7.3% rate increase for the utility's residential customers. The hike applies to a typical household using 54 therms per month.

Actual costs will vary based on energy use.

NW Natural is Oregon's largest gas utility, serving more than 700,000 customers in northwest Oregon, including Beaverton and Washington County.

The increase takes effect one day before a new state law bars utilities from raising rates during winter. Starting Sunday, Nov. 1, rate hikes are banned through March 31, when gas and electricity use is highest.

Gov. Tina Kotek signed the Fairness & Affordability in Residential Energy Act, known as the FAIR Energy Act. Under the law, utilities cannot raise rates during winter months and face new caps on how frequently increases can take effect, OPB reported.

Future increases must also be phased in over time in smaller increments.

All three of Oregon's major gas companies are raising rates at the same time. Cascade Natural Gas customers face a 10.7% increase, or about $7.38 more a month. Avista customers will see an 8.5% hike.

Why rates are going up

The rate change combines two proceedings, according to the PUC. One is NW Natural's annual Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA), which reflects what the company expects to pay for natural gas in the coming year and reconciles last year's projected costs against actual expenses.

The PUC said this year's PGA increase is driven by adjustments for lower gas use during last year's unusually warm winter.

NW Natural does not mark up the price of gas; the PGA is a passthrough of wholesale costs, according to the company's rate page.

The second piece is a settlement that lowers NW Natural's requested revenue increase to about $13 million. It covers capital projects meant to ensure safe and reliable service, including landslide mitigation work on the Coos County Pipeline, the PUC said.

PUC Chair Letha Tawney said in a statement that NW Natural's rates are climbing less than the company requested. "The approved settlement reduces the company's requested increase, supports critical infrastructure investments, and includes measures that promote accountability and long-term planning for the Coos County Pipeline," Tawney said.

Non-residential rates take effect Sunday, Nov. 1. Small-commercial customers will see an increase of about $43.10 a month based on average usage of 274 therms, according to NW Natural.

Help with bills

NW Natural offers a bill discount program that can reduce monthly charges by 15% to 85% depending on income level. No proof of income is required to apply, according to the company's savings page. Customers can also call NW Natural at 1-800-422-4012 for bill payment options. The Energy Trust of Oregon offers rebates and energy-saving tips.

Washington County residents who qualify for free weatherization services can contact the Community Action Organization in Hillsboro at 503-906-6550.