Many Georgia natural gas customers look at the total amount due on their bill and do not think much beyond that. But understanding the components of your bill can help you identify savings opportunities and verify you are getting the best deal.
The Per-Therm Charge
This is the cost of the natural gas itself, measured in therms. One therm equals 100,000 BTU of energy. A typical Georgia household uses 50-100 therms per month during winter and 10-20 therms during summer (primarily for water heating and cooking).
Your per-therm rate is set by your natural gas marketer -- in this case, True Natural Gas. This is the rate you choose when selecting a fixed or variable plan.
The Monthly Service Charge
This is a flat fee charged by your marketer each month, regardless of how much gas you use. At True Natural Gas, our monthly service charge is among the lowest in the state. Some competitors charge $7-9 per month, while ours is $5.95.
The Base Charge (Utility Fee)
This fee is charged by Atlanta Gas Light (AGL), the utility company that owns and maintains the natural gas pipeline infrastructure. This charge is the same regardless of which marketer you choose. It covers pipeline maintenance, meter reading, and emergency response.
Delivery Charges
AGL also charges a per-therm delivery fee to transport gas through their pipelines to your home. Like the base charge, this is a pass-through cost that is the same with every marketer.
Taxes and Regulatory Fees
These include state and local taxes and any regulatory surcharges mandated by the Georgia Public Service Commission.
What You Can Control
Of all the charges on your bill, the per-therm rate and monthly service charge are the two you can influence by choosing the right marketer and plan. The utility fees, delivery charges, and taxes are the same no matter who you choose as your marketer.
This is why it pays to compare per-therm rates and monthly service charges -- they are the only parts of your bill where your choice of provider makes a difference. Check the True Natural Gas rates page to see how we compare.