The Climate Commitment Act fee on NW Natural gas bills is not a tax. It is a charge NW Natural must pay the state for greenhouse gas emissions. It is reasonable NW Natural should have to pay to pollute, as do other polluting industries.
The state uses funds collected from large-scale polluters to pay for clean energy projects such as electric school buses. NW Natural chose to pass on its full fee costs to its customers rather than reduce profits or executives’ pay.
The Climate Commitment Act gives gas utilities free “allowances” to offset customer costs. NW Natural is required to grant customers credits (discounts) from these allowances, unless you signed up for gas after July 26, 2021. Most people’s gas bills will have a new “fee” and a new “credit.” Low-income customers should only see a 79 cent increase in their gas bills.
If you are unable to afford your gas bill, you may apply for help through NW Natural’s billing department. If your bill is high, you may be eligible for help to make your home more energy efficient. People pay more if they use more.
The idea of the Climate Commitment Act is to reduce pollution by charging for it.
