Frequently Asked Questions

The power to switch natural gas suppliers gives you greater control over your home or business’s energy bill. For example, if you can get a lower price from a competing supplier, you can switch over to its plan. Competitive offers may not be available in all areas.

It’s easy, safe and continual.

You can shop for a natural gas supplier at any time. The effective switch date will depend on your next meter read date, which can take three to eight weeks. Check with your natural gas distribution company (NGDC) for more exact information on its switching timeline.

It depends. If you already have an agreement with a natural gas supplier, and you want to switch to a different supplier, carefully review your contract’s disclosure statement to see if there are any penalty/switching or cancellation fees. Call your current supplier if you are unsure.

Yes, you just have to contact your natural gas distributor and request to return to your default service.  You should review your agreement with your current supplier to see if there are penalties for early cancellation if you wish to do this in the middle of your current contract. If you are not sure, call your current supplier.

No. Your natural gas distribution company (NGDC) will continue to bring the gas to your home through the existing pipes. The NGDC owns the pipes and maintains them.

Your choice will typically take effect at the beginning of the first possible billing period following a three-day right of rescission period and a five-day confirmation period.

These periods help prevent "slamming", which is the unauthorized transfer of utility services without the customer's consent. To help prevent slamming (whether you made an agreement with a supplier in person, on the phone or over the internet), your chosen supplier must send you the new contract agreement by U.S. mail, hand-delivery or electronically. Once you receive the contract, you have three business days to accept or decline the agreement. You may cancel in writing, orally or electronically, if available, by contacting the NGS. Waiver of the three-day right of rescission is not permitted.

In addition, when your local NGDC receives notification of a supplier change from your new supplier, the NGDC will send you a confirmation letter by the end of the next business day. You must respond to the local NGDC within five days if the information is incorrect. During that five-day period, if you notify your NGDC that you did not authorize the change of supplier, the supplier change will be canceled.

“New Customers Only” plans are available only to customers who have not had an active supply contract with that supplier within the supplier’s required eligibility period. An “Introductory Price” is based on how the rate is structured. It’s a temporary promotional rate that applies for the beginning of a contract. 

After the introductory period (typically the first several billing cycles) the price changes to the supplier’s ongoing fixed or variable rate, as described in the supplier’s disclosure statement. A supplier may offer a standard (non-introductory) rate that is only available to new customers, or an introductory rate that is available to both new and returning customers.

Some suppliers may offer natural gas that is cheaper than the gas you are currently buying from your local natural gas distribution company (NGDC). Other suppliers may offer longer or shorter contracts for service at a fixed or variable price. You can shop around to find the best supplier for you.

Natural gas is often measured in units called a Mcf, Ccf or Therms.  While saving a few cents to a dollar per unit doesn’t sound like much, keep in mind that those savings can add up to a large savings per year, depending on usage. 

The price to compare is the unit price charged by the natural gas distribution companies (NGDCs) and used by consumers to compare prices and potential savings with other natural gas suppliers. The price to compare may appear on your bill, but if it doesn’t, contact your NGDC.

Yes. Budget billing allows you to pay a “fixed amount” each month, providing certainty in your bills. Budget billing averages bills out over 12 months. Budget bills are subject to quarterly adjustments based on usage. Contact your local natural gas distribution company about budget billing.

Contact the supplier directly first. If unresolved, file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). Learn more about filing a complaint. 

Not if you’ve filed a timely, formal complaint with the PUC and are keeping up with undisputed portions of your bill.

You won’t lose service. You’ll automatically return to the utility’s default service until you choose a new supplier.

Start by contacting your supplier or utility. If it’s not resolved, you can file a complaint with the PUC online or by phone. Learn more about filing a complaint.

There are programs available to help. You may qualify for assistance through LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), CAP (Customer Assistance Program), or budget billing through your utility. Learn more about financial assistance.