You have the option of continuing to purchase natural gas from your gas company or purchase it from a variety of natural gas suppliers.
Choosing a Natural Gas Supplier
A PUCO Guide to Gas Choice Programs in Ohio
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) approved programs for Cincinnati Gas & Electric, Columbia Gas of Ohio, and Dominion East Ohio to allow residential and small business customers to choose their natural gas supplier. You have the option of continuing to purchase natural gas from your gas company or purchase it from a variety of natural gas suppliers. We are committed to ensuring that you have the needed information to make an informed decision about choosing a new supplier. You need not take any action if you choose to remain a customer of your current gas company. If you are considering switching natural gas suppliers, take a moment to read the following information.
Safety & Reliability
Whether you stay with your gas company or sign up with another supplier, your gas company will continue to respond to your natural gas safety concerns and provide the same reliable natural gas service as always. The PUCO is committed to ensuring that customers will continue to receive safe, reliable and adequate natural gas service.
Know the Supplier
Before entering into an agreement with a potential supplier, make sure that the company is on the certified supplier list. You can obtain a current list of suppliers by calling the PUCO at 1-800-299-7271 or clicking on any of the links below. Certified suppliers have met the PUCO's tough credit standards and have agreed to conduct business as required by the "Code of Conduct".
4 simple steps to choosing:
1. Compare offers. Get a PUCO Apples to Apples comparison chart .
2. Contact suppliers. Contact the suppliers that you are most interested in and ask the questions provided in this pamphlet. To sign up, simply call that supplier. The supplier will contact your gas company regarding the switch.
3.Read & understand contract. Make sure you carefully read and understand all of the terms and conditions of your contract. The supplier should be able to answer any questions you have.
4. Receive Confirmation. Your gas company will send you a letter confirming the supplier you have chosen. If the information is correct, you do not have to do anything. If the information is not correct, contact your gas company and request that the switch be stopped.
Questions to Ask a Supplier
Are you on the certified supplier list?
What is the price per hundred cubic feet (ccf)?
Is the price fixed or does it change?
If it changes, how does it change?
Does the price depend on how much I use or when I use natural gas?
Will there be a switching fee?
Is there a fee if I cancel the contract early?
Are there any built-in price increases or decreases?
Is there a customer incentive for signing up? Are there any special add-on services? How long is the contract for that rate? What happens when my contract expires? Will I receive one or two bills a month? Is there a budget plan? PUCO's Apples to Apples
While no one can make this decision for you, the PUCO offers the Apples to Apples comparison chart to enable you to make an informed choice. Monthly, the PUCO updates a comparison chart of the approved suppliers' offers. The chart includes:
list of approved suppliers
suppliers' phone numbers and web sites
price options
average annual cost of each plan
terms of the contracts offered
Based on historical usage and current natural gas market prices, this chart will give you an up-to date "apples-to-apples" comparison of your choices. Click the links below to view the most recent Apples to Apples comparison charts:
Complaints, Disputes & Inquiries
If you have a complaint or inquiry regarding your bill, meter, gas pipeline or safety concerns, call your gas company's customer service center.
If you have a complaint or inquiry regarding your natural gas supply contract, call your supplier.
If your complaint or inquiry is not resolved, call the PUCO Consumer Hotline at 1-800-686-7826.
