Plunging Gas Prices Affect Wwp Rate Cut

Washington Water Power Co. and Washington state officials have slightly increased a proposed rate reduction for residential customers.

Instead of 11.12 percent, the rate cut would be 11.62 percent if approved by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.

The cutback would shave $4.43 off the average homeowner’s monthly bill.

The adjustment was made because natural gas prices, which have plunged this year, are expected to fall further in 1996.

WWP had filed for the reduction Nov. 1. The change is called a “tracker” because once a year it allows regulators to account for rises and falls in gas prices over the previous 12 months.

If approved, the rate cut would take effect Dec. 15.

In Idaho, where a slightly different formula is used, a proposed 16.33 percent decrease will take effect Dec. 1 if approved by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission.

Homeowner bills would drop $6.55.

, DataTimes