Puget Sound Energy natural gas rates could decrease

BELLEVUE, Wash. (AP) — Puget Sound Energy natural gas customers could see lower rates starting Nov. 1 if a request by the company is approved by regulators.

If the state Utilities and Transportation Commission approves the reduction, the average rate for a residential customer would drop by 15 percent.

The typical business would see rates drop by nearly 18 percent.

Company officials said in a news release Monday they're asking for the decrease due to a continuing drop in natural gas prices. Puget Sound Energy is also seeking a slight rate increase for replacing aging natural gas pipelines to improve safety.

The company's nearly 800,000 customers would see the reduced rates starting in their November PSE bills.