Natural Gas Supply in Georgia

Since 1998, Georgians have had a choice of who provides their natural gas supply. Shopping for natural gas in Georgia? Find everything you need to know here!

Looking for Your Utility? List of utilities in Georgia
List of agencies in Georgia
List of cities in Georgia

What Deregulation Means for You

The state of Georgia deregulated residential natural gas markets with the passing of Senate Bill 215 in 1997, with the markets officially opening to competition in 1998. All Georgia citizens who live within the service territory of the Atlanta Light and Gas Company can therefore choose a gas marketer for their natural gas supply.

Deregulation of natural gas markets in Georgia means more competition in the natural gas supply market.This means:

• Greater choice of energy supplier
• Wider price options - choose a floating price, or lock in a fixed price
• Competition among suppliers, leading to lower prices and better customer service

Learn more about energy market deregulation in the US

What has not changed with deregulation is the operation of natural gas infrastructure. Atlanta Gas Light's Company (AGLC) still owns, operates, and maintains the storage and distribution network for natural gas, and the gas you receive will be the same, regardless of who your supplier is. You should not experience any interruptions or change in quality of your gas service if you decide to purchase energy from a natural gas marketer.

Choosing an Energy Marketer in Georgia

If you live in the service territory of the Atlanta Gas Light's Company (AGLC), you have a choice of natural gas supplier. Here are a few tips to help guide you when you start shopping for energy:

Prices

Deregulation has brought you choice not only in who supplies your gas, but also what kind of price you pay for it. While customers who purchase regulated rate natural gas pay a variable rate, you have the choice of locking in a fixed price with a gas marketer. As natural gas prices tend to be quite volatile, we recommend choosing a fixed price for your natural gas if you have the option.

Suppliers

All gas marketers that sell in Georgia are certified by the Georgia Public Service Commission. The following suppliers provide service in the state:

• Commerce Energy
• Constellation Energy
• Fireside Natural Gas
• Gas South
• Georgia Natural Gas
• Infinite Energy
• Kratos Gas & Power
• North American Power
• SCANA Energy
• Stream Energy
• True Natural Gas
• Walton EMC Natural Gas

Contract Terms

Here are a few things to look out for when you're reading the terms and conditions of your natural gas contract:

Early Cancellation Fees?

Also known as "early exit fees" or "termination fees", this is a charge for leaving your (usually fixed price) contract before the end of its term.

Automatic Service Renewal

You should always check what your gas marketer's policy is for when your contract comes to an end. Some marketers will automatically switch you back to the utility, while others will automatically renew you.

One-Time Charges

It's a good idea to check out how much of a late payment fee your chosen gas marketer charges, though you should always contact your gas marketer to see if you can make a special payment arrangement if you cannot pay your bill on time.

Ways to Communicate With Your Gas Marketer/Dispute Resolution

While it's unlikely that you will enter into a dispute with your gas marketer, it is a good idea to be aware of the various ways that you can get in touch with the company, as well as what you should do in the event of a problem.

Find Out More Check out some of our guides to purchasing energy in the US:
Common energy contract terms and conditions
10 questions to ask your supplier

Understand Your Natural Gas Bill in Georgia

Your natural gas bill can be broken down into three main types of charges:

• Charges related to your energy supply: these include your gas charge, which is based on the type of plan that you've signed up for (i.e. what rate) and how much gas you've used that month, and the customer service fee
• Charges to cover the costs of delivery: this is primarily the AGLC base charge, which covers the costs of distributing gas to your home
• Taxes and state surcharges: these may be flat sums, or variable (based on how much gas you have consumed in a month)

How Your Natural Gas Service Works in Georgia

Your natural gas service works in three main steps in Georgia:

Exploitation: Natural gas is exploited from the ground. It may be sold at this point to marketers, or further along the service process

Transportation: once it is cleaned and processed, natural gas travels from its site of exploitation along pipelines until it reaches the distribution network. Sometimes it is stored for later use. Delivery and storage of natural gas remains regulated, and is the responsibility of the AGLC

Final Use: the final stage of the process is when gas reaches your home to be used, whether for heating and/or cooking. How much gas you use is measured by your utility, and you are charged for your use based on the rate that you have agreed upon with your provider

Got a question about your gas supply in Georgia? Give us a call at 1 (832) 460-0233 to find out your best option for your natural gas supply in Georgia