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Avista asks to increase natural gas rates 18.9% Just as temperatures are ready to head down, natural gas prices are headed up, meaning higher winter heating bills for thousands of Southern Oregon customers. Avista Utilities plans to raise its rates 18.9 percent starting Oct. 1, pending approval by the Oregon Public Utility Commission. The PUC will make its decision in the next few weeks. If approved, the Avista increase means the company�s 77,400 Oregon residential customers � including 44,400 in the Rogue Valley � will see an average increase of $7.35 per month. That estimate is based on the use of 60 therms a month. "Energy prices have risen dramatically over the past year and the price of natural gas has risen right along with other fuel sources," says Scott Morris, general manager for Avista Utilities in Oregon. Northwest Natural Gas, which serves the Portland area, filed for a 27.6 percent hike. Cascade Natural Gas, which serves Central Oregon, has yet to file but is expected to ask for about a 20-percent hike, the PUC said. The higher rates reflect the higher prices that utilities like Avista have to pay natural-gas suppliers, not more profits for the company. Under regulatory agreements, the utilities file once a year for a "purchase gas cost adjustment" with the PUC. The utility�s profit margin remains the same; it is only allowed to raise rates to cover higher costs. The PUC is accepting public comment on the filing by mail at 550 Capitol St. NE, Salem, OR 97310-1380, or by phone at (800) 522-2404. Obituaries | Sports | Business | Classifieds | Tempo | Prime Times | So Oregon Sites | Outdoor Journal | Subscribe | Contact | Movies | Advertise | Real Estate Showcase | Archive | Editorials | Letters to the editor | Religion | Wake-up Call | NIE | Cyber Chef | Job Network | So Oregon Weather | WSJ Northwest | Forums | AP Wire | AP Money | F.A.Q. | Awards Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. The Community Newspaper Subsidiary of Dow Jones & Co, Inc Copyright �The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA