Everything You Need to Know to Switch Natural Gas Providers
Are you considering switching your natural gas provider in the great state of Georgia? Well, we have all the info you need to get it done! This post covers everything from how switching works, how much it will cost, and the best strategy. Luckily for us in Georgia, our natural gas market is deregulated. So we’re free to choose the natural gas provider that works best for us. And those providers have to compete for your business. So, let’s answer your questions about how to switch my natural gas provider now.
Switching Natural Gas Providers: The Process
In Georgia, with our natural gas deregulated market, we can choose from any certified marketer. All you have to do is shop for a new natural gas plan and sign up online. You’ll pay your new supplier for the natural gas you use and the cost to deliver the gas. The pipelines that deliver your gas stay the same and are still maintained and serviced by the utility, Atlanta Gas Light.
Typically when you make the switch, it can take some time. If you request to switch before the 18th or 19th of the month, the change will be effective by the first day of the next month. For example, if you switch before March 19, then your plan will change on April 1. According to the GA PSC, for this to happen, AGL must process these switches by 3 AM on the 20th day of the month.
However, if you switch after the 19th of the month, your switch request won’t go through until the first day of the next following month. In this case, if you decide to switch providers on March 20, your switch won’t go through until May 1.
Keep in mind that as the customer, you have the right of rescission. You change your mind about your new natural gas supplier. After enrollment information arrives from your provider, you have three days to cancel the switch without any penalties.
Finally, your ability and freedom to switch is 100% up to you. The utility doesn’t verify or approve your choice of a new natural gas supplier. But you do have to choose from the certified marketers that work with your utility.
The Cost to Switch Natural Gas Providers
You are free to switch your natural gas supplier at any time. But, there can be some costs involved.
Firstly, if you already have a contract for a fixed-rate natural gas plan, there is often an early termination fee. This fee varies depending on the provider, but can range from $50-$200. Make sure you check the details of your contract before you switch.
Secondly, Atlanta Gas Light can charge an extra $7.50 fee if you switch natural gas suppliers more than once in 12 months.
Switching Natural Gas Providers: The Strategy
Switching natural gas suppliers isn’t just something we’re doing for fun. Usually, you’re looking for a better service experience or you’re looking for the best deal. So, when’s the best time to switch? The simple answer is to switch when rates are cheap and you don’t have to pay an ETF. But, it can be hard to predict prices when so many variables come into play. But, spring and fall are periods of low demand and can often be a good time to shop for a new natural gas plan.
At the moment, natural gas rates aren’t spectacularly low, but we definitely have not hit a summer spike yet. So, if you’re skating on a variable rate plan or at the end of a fixed rate term, snag a cheap natural gas rate today before prices surge during the heat of summer. Grab your next natural gas plan today at https://www.georgiagassavings.com.