How many of us have looked through the terms of service or our natural gas bill and blinked several times as our eyes crossed into oblivion? For the purpose of clarification and piece of mind, I am trying to sprinkle in various helpful guides, tips and explanations to help us all understand the world of natural gas service a little better.

With that being said, have you ever wondered what exactly a therm is? When researching companies and plans in your area, the term "therm" (that was fun) is most often associated with the published price, as in price per therm. A therm is a unit for quantity of heat that equals 100,000 British thermal units (BTU). A BTU is an amount of energy needed to raise one pound of nearly frozen water (39 degrees Fahrenheit) by one degree Fahrenheit. A therm is equal to 100 cubic feet of natural gas, and is used by gas companies to determine your actual natural gas usage.

So there you have it. If there are any additional terms or aspects of your natural gas service that may have you spinning in mild confusion, then feel free to post your comments, and I'll be happy to provide any insight I can. It's a big natural gas world Georgians, so don't be shy to ask away.

While it seems like I'm playing the role of Captain Obvious here, it occurred to me this morning that a bit of background information on natural gas was in order. To understand the nature of the natural gas market, rate fluctuations, supply and so on, it is first essential to understand where natural gas comes from, and to understand that it is also essential to understand what natural gas is. It is these unique components of natural gas that directly affect it's extraction, delivery and of course, why you pay what you do to enjoy it in your home.

Natural gas is odorless, colorless and shapeless. Though natural gas is a mixture of hydrocarbon gases (including methane), it emits lower levels of harmful gases when burned. Natural gas is also a fossil fuel, meaning it's formed from the decomposition of organic material—as in plant and animal remains. The compression of said organic matter is caused by the pressure of sediment and other layers on top of the organic materials, as well as the high temperatures beneath the Earth's surface. The resulting break down of carbon bonds in the organic matter leads to our friendly natural gas.

Due to the nature of how natural gas is formed, drilling a hole through the rock in which the gas is trapped allows the natural gas to rise to the surface. Thus, enters the wellhead and natural gas pipeline that help trap and control the flow of gas, which eventually finds its way to our homes and businesses. Voila!

Are you familiar with the safety precautions for the natural gas in your new home? If not, GasGeorgia has some safety tips to give you a helping hand in understanding natural gas and how to keep your family safe in case of an emergency.

• Smell Gas — The smell of natural gas smells like rotten eggs. If the smell inside your home is strong, have everyone exit the house immediately. Open door and windows on the way out only if you can. Do not use anything like a home phone, light switches, flashlight, computer or any other item that might cause a spark. If the odor is faint then check your stove burners and pilot light.

• Gas Appliances — Keep anything flammable away from gas appliances at all times.

• Blue Color — Burning natural gas should have a blue color. Another color could signify improper venting.

• Landscaping — Make sure to call your local gas company before you begin digging anywhere on your property to ensure you won’t hit a natural gas line.

• Gas Appliances — All gas appliances should have proper air circulation at all times.

• Keeping Warm in the Winter — Do not use natural gas appliances likes stoves to keep warm during a cold snap.

The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) is responsible for ensuring that consumer rights are protected from fraudulent business practices. Your natural gas bill of rights is clearly stated and explained by the PSC, so it is essential that you know what aspects of your natural gas service are protected.

The Natural Gas Consumers' Bill of Rights guarantees the right to:

• Reliable and high-quality customer service provided with your natural gas service


• Receive updated and accurate information regarding your service terms and rates in a clear, concise format that allows you to easily compare companies and services.


• Access to the latest benefits and services that help you maximize your savings and comfort.


• Set, fair standards for any payment or credit disputes


• Protection from fraudulent, anti-competitive and deceptive information and practices, preventing you from making an educated decision when it comes to switching or comparing natural gas companies


• Accurate and timely bills with options to receive electronically


• Protection of privacy


• Prices protected from unfair or illegal shifting


• Fair dispute settlement with either provider or third party

Shopping for natural gas in Georgia shouldn't be a confusing or difficult process. Enjoying the benefits of living in a deregulated natural gas market is almost too easy with the competitive prices and products from major energy companies. The key to saving even more on your monthly energy bill is understanding exactly what makes each service unique. With that being said, Georgia natural gas companies have several fixed and variable rate plans that give people like you a ton of great options for service. So what exactly is the difference between a fixed and variable rate?

Fixed
A fixed rate generally carries a contract term with it, meaning you can lock in your gas price on a monthly basis after signing a contract. Terms generally run either 6 or 12 months. The advantage of a fixed rate plan is that your price doesn't fluctuate when the rest of the natural gas market does. Think of a fixed rate as sort of a security blanket.

Variable
Variable rates do change based on the several factors, most especially demand. During hot summer days or cold winter nights you'll often see price spikes as gas use increases. The advantage to having a variable rate plan is that you can cancel your service at any time, and the monthly and cancellation fees are often very low. Variable rates give the most flexibility,
with companies offering everything from low prices to options for prepaying your natural gas every month.

Regardless of what you choose, living in a state that gives you power to find the service that meets your individual natural gas needs is a wonderful thing.