NW Natural is actually (relatively) affordable. We have close to 3,000 sq. ft., with some draft problems through some old windows (which are about to get replaced, hoorah), and our "equal pay" plan is $67.00/month. Usually by the 9th or 10th month we're paid up, with a credit balance, and so get 2-3 months with no bill. Yes, it has gone up (it used to be around $58-60/month), but I know people with oil and/or electric heat who are paying a heckuva lot more than we do, for homes much smaller than ours.