Puget Sound Energy gas customers will see a drop in their natural gas rates starting Nov. 1, just in time for the winter heating season.

Last week, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission approved multiple requests from PSE to decrease the combined average monthly natural gas cost by 2.6 percent for residential customers. This means an average household using 64 therms per month would see a decrease of $1.80, bringing their bill to $68.

In December, PSE anticipates the commission to rule on a separate request to overall lower natural gas rates by another 3.8 percent. Combined with the November reduction, natural gas rates should be reduced by 6.5 percent, on average.

The lowered natural gas bills are a result of adjustments reflecting market prices for gas supplies the utility purchases for customers and the costs of operating the natural gas system.