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Competition in Georgia’s utility marketplace generates lower prices for gas and electricity, but leaves the landscape of the natural gas companies Atlanta utilizes confusing for those new to the area. With a variety of natural gas companies, Atlanta residents and businesses benefit from comparing price and service offerings and choosing the provider that best suits their needs.
Georgia legislators approved the Natural Gas Competition and Deregulation Act in 1997, after which Atlanta Gas Light Company (AGLC), the state’s largest investor-owned gas utility, chose to file for deregulation. AGLC continues to acquire resources and maintain the infrastructure necessary for distribution to a group of certified gas marketers, who are responsible for providing service to customers. The Georgia Public Service Commission regulates and certifies natural gas providers throughout the state.
The state of Georgia has three types of entities responsible for providing gas service to commercial and residential interest: investor-owned utilities, natural gas marketing companies, and municipal gas systems. The natural gas companies Atlanta has available vary depending upon the part of the city in which your home or business is located.
When choosing among natural gas companies Atlanta residents should begin by identifying the providers available at your location. Once you’ve identified the providers servicing your area, identifying the price, payment options, and customer service reputation each provides will help you to select a company that meets your needs.
Gas prices are regulated by market competition and regulatory agencies like the PSC, and therefore differ little in the price per unit. Gas is measured and priced by the therm, which is a unit of heat equal to 100,000 British Thermal Units (BTU). The PSC publishes a report each month that gives comparison information on the price of gas for all certified providers that might prove useful for baseline research. Though the price per therm varies little, each provider uses its own formula to calculate the rate charged, which is based roughly on the customer’s average and maximum demand for gas.
In addition to the price per therm, the natural gas companies Atlanta is serviced by differ in the fees and deposits required for service. Base charges are similar across providers, and competition keeps these costs in check. However, some companies charge fees that aren’t necessary across the board. For example, if a pipeline fee is assessed, the monthly rate charged for gas service will increase, but dedicated pipeline is unnecessary for most homeowners or small business owners whose demand for gas is low. It pays to ask about fees being assessed up front and make sure that you don’t pay for something that you don’t need.
Gas marketers and distributors offer a variety of rate plans. The options available fall into two primary categories: fixed rate and variable rate. Variable rate plans charge customers a different price per therm each month based upon the current wholesale price. Fixed rate plans establish a set rate per therm over an extended contract period of time.
Perhaps the best way to assess a company’s customer service reputation is by gauging the response of the representatives you speak to when establishing or inquiring about service options, or by asking neighbors and friends about their own experiences. Working with a natural gas company that is friendly, responds quickly to requests, and is highly reliable are all qualities that will pay off over time.
Georgia residents have many choices when selecting from among the natural gas companies Atlanta utilizes. Doing your homework on price, plan and reputation will help to ensure the best option for your business or residential needs.
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