Effective November 1, NW Natural residential customers will receive a 16 percent rate decrease and commercial customers will receive a 19 percent decrease. This decrease is lower than the original filing in August, as NW Natural has continued to lock in supplies at lower costs for the coming heating season.
The decline in prices is due to the economic slowdown combined with greater gas production and generally milder weather across the country this year.
Even with lower rates this winter; you can reduce your bill even more through weatherization and energy efficiency measures. Consider the following:
- Adjust vents to keep specific rooms in your home at a desired temperature. Heat rises, so you may want to partially close upstairs vents. However do not close more than one or two vents in an average-sized house. Restricting airflow too much can shorten the life of your furnace.
- Use kitchen, bath and other ventilating fans sparingly in cold weather. In just one hour, these fans can blow away a houseful of warm air.
- Seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings, such as pipes or ducts, with caulking or weather-stripping.
- Have your ducts tested for air leakage. Leaking ducts can reduce the efficiency of your heating system by up to 30 percent.
- Avoid blocking heating vents and air returns with furniture, draperies or carpet
- Install efficient shower heads and faucets – you could save up to 10 percent on your water heating costs.
For more energy saving tips and information visit nwnatural.com/conserve.
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