LACEY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Washington residents have a chance to have their voice heard on potential hikes to electric and natural gas bills.
The state Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) is holding two public comment hearings in the coming weeks.
It comes as PSE is requesting a 16.75% increase in residential electric rates and a roughly 13% in natural gas rates as part of its three-year plan.
The utility company says it needs to invest more than $3 billion in its gas and electric system over the next three years, particularly in light of increased strain on its electric system. Cascadia Daily News has reported on a large lithium-ion battery facility that’s being proposed in Custer as one of several renewable energy projects targeted for Whatcom and Skagit counties to account for the demand.
If the rate hike request is approved by the UTC, the average monthly bill for a residential electric customer would rise by about $28 starting in early 2027. The average monthly bill for a residential natural gas customer would rise by about $14.
There would be additional rate increases in 2028 and 2029, though not as large as the initial hike.
My Bellingham Now previously reported that Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown challenged PSE’s proposal in July.
The UTC is holding an in-person public hearing in Lacey on Tuesday, Sept. 29, ahead of a virtual public hearing on Wednesday, Oct. 7.
Residents can also submit comment by phone at 888-333-9882, email at comments@utc.wa.gov, physical mail to P.O Box 47250, Olympia, WA 98504-7250 or via an online form.
