PORTLAND, Ore. -- Expect some relief this winter on your natural gas bill.

The Oregon Public Utility Commission says prices could be 10 to 20 percent lower during the coming winter than in 2009 or 2008 due to the recession.

Avista Utilities, Cascade Natural Gas and NW Natural Gas all were expected to bring prices back down to levels unseen since 2008 -- and they could drop lower.

Rates will officially change Nov. 1.

“What a difference a year makes,” OPUC Chairman Lee Beyer said. “At this time a year ago we were talking about the prospect of double-digit increases; now all three of our natural gas companies anticipate being able to substantially reduce customer rates. The lower prices should help many cash-strapped households this coming winter.”

Oregon’s natural gas is imported from Canada and the U.S. Rocky Mountain region.

The three natural gas companies provide utilities to nearly 1 million.