​AG Brown challenged Northwest Natural Gas Company’s (NW Natural) proposed rate increases and urged the Utilities & Transportation Commission (UTC) to reject a settlement agreement that would allow steep rate increases to go forward. NW Natural is a private, for-profit utility company which the state has licensed to operate as a monopoly in southwest Washington.

“The costs of living are out of control, and the last thing Washingtonians need are unjustified hikes to their utility bills. Utility companies provide critical services, but the push for profits should not forced onto the backs of captive consumers.” – AG Brown