Natural gas deregulation was created to help foster competition among natural gas companies, which in turn helps you save money on your monthly bill. Natural gas marketers, as they are labeled by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC), are responsible for selling you natural gas service, as well as handling the billing and customer service aspects. The Natural Gas Consumers Act serves as a consumer bill of rights, ensuring that you receive all the information you need to fully understand all aspects of your natural gas service. It also ensures that natural gas customers receive reliable, safe and affordable natural gas. It is your natural gas safety blanket so to speak.

With that in mind, there are are a few very important factors you should always consider when researching companies in your area. Here are three important tips for Georgians looking to make the switch to a new natural gas company:

1. Understand all costs associated with you natural gas service. The PSC requires each competitive natural gas marketer to provide you with the terms of service, disclosure statement and any contracts that are applicable to your service.

2. Understand the differences between fixed and variable rates.  Variable rates do change monthly according to the market, and fixed rates stay the same for the length of contract terms. Each company will outline the prices and contract terms—as well as any additional fees—associated with all rate plans.

3. Research company reputation through the PSC.

A natural gas stove is easy to operate, and quite safe if used properly. Chefs around the globe salivate over the prospect of using a gas stove to prepare their meals. Here are a few essential reasons why you—though maybe not a culinary genius—can equally appreciate the convenience of a natural gas stove at home.

• Easy to control heating—just run the dial with no more moving pots back and forth
• Precise temperatures for cooking
• Natural gas stoves are more energy efficient than the electric variety—just think cheaper utility bill
  
• Natural gas stays on during a power outage
• Easy installation
  

In the name of all that is convenient and efficient in this crazy world, hop on over and check out the natural gas calculator. Enter the usage amount for the household appliances you currently operate, cover, bake, sprinkle some magic dust and voila! The calculator automatically figures out the monthly and annual cost to operate these appliances with natural gas.

So what are you waiting for, a neon sign? Enjoy the piece of mind knowing that you can actually estimate your monthly natural gas bill before signing up for new service.

Understanding the positive benefits of using natural gas in your home is the first step to enjoying the savings associated with powering your home with natural gas. Here are a few reasons to make your switch today:

• Natural gas produces fewer carbon dioxide, sulfur and nitrogen emissions than coal and oil.


• Natural gas works during a power outage, and a pilot light is capable of heating water almost two times faster than an electric water heater. Even a gas stove can be lit using a match, allowing you and your family to continue daily routines without interruption.


• 84 percent of natural gas is produced in the United States according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), so your limiting the dependence on foreign resources.


• Natural gas appliances are energy efficient, saving you money and helping the environment.


• The excellent safety record of natural gas is due to its constant monitoring and federal regulations, so enjoying natural gas in your home doesn't mean sacrificing the safety of your family.

Whether a current electricity customer, or moving to a new residence, switching to a cleaner natural gas allows you to still enjoy the comforts of home, while managing to save money and possibly limit your impact on the ecosystem at the same time.

Ever wondered just how safe powering your home really is? Without spoiling all of the surprise, GasGeorgia has provided natural gas consumers with a few, essential reasons as to why exactly natural gas is a safe and secure way to power your home.

With the push for adopting wholesale alternative energy standards, the need for a fossil fuel resource that is cleaner, more efficient and reliable is greater than ever.

For more information on the benefits of natural gas, please see this press release.

Understanding the history of natural gas deregulation is vastly important for Georgia residents. Did you know that because of deregulation in Georgia you can shop and compare natural gas companies? Regulation meant your service was determined and dependent on your location, where as now you can essentially choose from the best rates and products that are available in your area.

Senate Bill 215 officially landed in Georgia in 1997, with deregulation starting July 1, 1998. Atlanta Gas Light Company (AGLC) is responsible for storing and distributing your natural gas, and marketers such as the companies at GasGeorgia.com are able to sell natural gas to consumers. Only customers in the AGLC service area are able to compare and choose their natural gas provider, but fortunately their coverage area is quite large.

So what exactly does Georgia natural gas deregulation mean for you?

• Lower rates, lower monthly gas bill
• Compare companies and their rates head-to-head.
• Switch or transfer service without interruption
• Enjoy several flexible fixed and variable rate plans from leading natural gas companies

Despite the fact that your eyes are probably squinting from all of the syllables in the title, understanding how deregulation affects your natural gas service is not as complicated as it may seem.

The structure of the natural gas industry has changed dramatically since the 50's. Extremely low selling prices in the early 50's meant a lot of demand from customers, and a severe lack of supply from gas companies. Fast forward to the late 70's.

The Natural Gas Policy Act in 1978 began the landslide that would change the industry forever. For the first time natural gas prices at the source—what is called the wellhead— were gradually shedding their caps or ceiling. The prices were originally regulated to protect you and other consumers from price gouging, but only hurt in the long run by contributing to the supply shortage.

Jan. 1, 1993 marked the beginning of the end for price regulations at the wellhead, and allowed gas to be sold to end users—a.k.a the customers—free of federal price regulations. So what exactly does this mean? Now marketers such as the natural gas companies at GasGeorgia.com are able to offer you choice and savings—something that didn't exist prior to policy changes. Before the move to deregulation, the natural gas companies were unable to offer the kind of unique pricing and products that they can now in fully deregulated states.

How does this impact Georgia natural gas customers? "What is Natural Gas Deregulation - Part Two: What this means for Georgians" will further shed light on your options as a natural gas consumer.