Expect natural gas prices to increase

OLYMPIA - Natural gas prices are rising in November.

Avista is approved to increase prices by 9.98% or $5.81 a month, for an average monthly bill of $64.04.

Wholesale prices are increasing nationwide and in response, the state is allowing four utilities to raise prices, according to the Washington Utilities & Transportation Commission (WUTC).

"Higher customer gas costs in part reflect increases in natural gas market prices. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic production of natural gas has slowed while demand has increased, resulting in increased wholesale costs for Washington utilities," stated a WUT...