Natural gas rates charged by four major natural gas companies, including Puget Sound Energy, will fall by 7 percent beginning Thursday, Nov. 1.

The monthly bill charged to customers who use an average of 82 therms a month will decline nearly $6.

The Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission, which regulates energy company rates, notes that natural gas companies in Washington are required to adjust rates periodically to reflect changes in wholesale prices.

More than half to about two-thirds of a customer’s monthly bill is attributable to the cost of natural gas, on which the company is not allowed to earn a profit.