SEATTLE, Dec. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Cascade Natural Gas Corporation
(NYSE: CGC) announces earnings guidance for the fiscal year first quarter
ending December 31, 2001. Current year earnings will be compared to a
relatively strong fiscal year 2001 first quarter, which predated energy cost
increases and conservation efforts triggered by the western energy crisis, and
was boosted by weather 15% colder than the average for the past five years.
Compared to fiscal year 2001, earnings for the current quarter are expected to
come in between 10% and 15% lower.
    Second quarter earnings are expected to be approximately 10% to 15% higher
than fiscal year 2001 second quarter due in large part to expected higher
consumption by industrial customers. By second quarter last year, industrial
consumption was significantly affected by skyrocketing natural gas prices.
The significant drop in natural gas prices this year has made it economical
once again for industrial plants to move toward more normal usage patterns.
    Management remains confident that its targeted 6% earnings growth rate
remains achievable for the year, assuming normal weather and no worsening from
current general economic conditions.
    Cascade Natural Gas Corporation is a local distribution company providing
natural gas service to over 197,000 customers in the states of Washington and
Oregon.

    CONTACT:  J.D. Wessling of Cascade Natural Gas Corporation,
+1-206-624-3900.

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