DOCKET UG-970932 Page 1
 


BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION


WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND )
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, )
   )
  Complainant, ) DOCKET UG-970932
   )
 vs.  )
   ) COMPLAINT AND ORDER
NORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANY, ) SUSPENDING TARIFF
   ) REVISIONS
   )
  Respondent. )
 )


   On May 30, 1997, Northwest Natural Gas Company filed with the Commission 
under its Advice No. WUTC 97-1, a new tariff designated as WN U-6 cancelling 
the current tariff WN U-5.  The stated effective date is July 1, 1997.

  It appearing that the filing herein would increase charges and rates for 
natural gas service rendered by respondent and that the rights and interests of 
the public might be injuriously affected thereby, it is the decision of the 
Commission to enter upon public hearing or hearings concerning such changes and 
the reasonableness and justness thereof and to suspend the operation of the 
above tariff revision pending such hearing or hearings and decision thereon. 

  In accordance with RCW 80.04.130, the burden of proof to show that such 
increases are just and reasonable shall be upon the respondent.

  IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED:

  1. The operation of the above tariff revision, filed herein May 30, 1997, is 
hereby suspended.

  2. A hearing or hearings, on the Commission's own motion, shall be held at 
such times and places as may be required.

  3. No change or alteration shall be made in the tariff revision filed herein, 
during the period of suspension, unless authorized by the Commission.


  DATED at Olympia, Washington, and effective this 25th day of June, 1997.

  WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION




      SHARON L. NELSON, Chairman




      RICHARD HEMSTAD, Commissioner




      WILLIAM R. GILLIS, Commissioner