Compare and find savings on natural gas plans from the top providers in Georgia.
By Thad Warren
There are four types of natural gas plans in Georgia. Fixed rate, Variable rate, Prepaid, and Senior Citizen Rate plans. Below you can compare natural gas plans based on price and other factors.
| Plan | Marketer | Total Bill | $/therm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Variable: | True Natural Gas | $60.32/month | $2.62 |
| Senior Variable: | SCANA Energy | $68.12/month | $2.96 |
| Senior Fixed: | True Natural Gas | $715.46/year | $1.17 |
| Senior Fixed: | SCANA Energy | $754.45/year | $1.23 |
| Standard Variable: | Constellation | $65.93/month | $2.87 |
| Standard Variable: | Xoom Energy | $66.98/month | $2.91 |
| Standard Fixed: | Xoom Energy | $845.91/year | $1.38 |
| Standard Fixed: | Stream Energy | $859.11/year | $1.40 |
Fixed rate plans have a locked-in rate that stays the same for the life of your contract. Because the provider is offering a fixed price per therm you will likely be subject to an early termination fee if you decide to cancel early.
Variable rate plans have prices that fluctuate with the wholesale natural gas prices. One month you might pay $2.00 per therm the next $2.50 per therm.
If you have no or low bad credit you might be required to enroll in a prepaid plan. You will pay upfront for your natural gas and your balance will be debited as you use it.
Variable rate plans in Georgia may be eligible or discounts for Price per therm for both variable and fixed plans offered to consumers 65 years or older. Some plans are based on income limits, others are available to all 65 years or older. The discount is either $14.00 or the total amount of the AGLC base charge, whichever is less.
There are 13 licensed gas providers with the State of Georgia Public Service Commission. They are also called Certified Marketers. These companies set their natural gas rate and plans. While natural gas is a commodity one thing that sets these providers apart is the pricing and customer service.
In Georgia, once you select a new natural gas provider and complete the enrollment process, your natural gas service is typically turned on within one to seven business days. The exact time frame can vary depending on the provider and your location. It's always a good idea to confirm the specific activation timeline with your chosen provider to avoid any interruptions in service.
- Fixed Rate Plans: With a fixed rate plan, the price you pay per therm of natural gas remains constant throughout the duration of your contract. This means your rate is locked in and won't change regardless of market fluctuations. Fixed rate plans offer predictability and protection against rising natural gas prices, making budgeting easier.
- Variable Rate Plans: Variable rate plans, on the other hand, have rates that can change month-to-month based on market conditions. While these plans can offer lower rates initially, they come with the risk of price increases. Variable rate plans can be beneficial if market prices drop, but they require more active management and attention to market trends.
1. Shop Around: Compare rates from different natural gas providers to find the most competitive prices and best plans for your needs.
2. Choose the Right Plan: Opt for a fixed rate plan if you prefer price stability, or a variable rate plan if you're comfortable with potential fluctuations and want to take advantage of lower rates when available.
3. Energy Efficiency: Implement energy-efficient practices in your home, such as upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, sealing leaks, and using programmable thermostats.
4. Regular Maintenance: Ensure your heating system is regularly maintained and serviced to operate efficiently.
5. Usage Awareness: Monitor your natural gas usage and adjust your habits, like lowering the thermostat when you're not home and using less hot water.
A therm is a unit of measurement for natural gas consumption. One therm is equal to 100,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs). It's commonly used by natural gas companies to bill customers for the amount of natural gas they use. Understanding how many therms you consume can help you better manage and reduce your energy costs.
A customer service charge is a fixed monthly fee that natural gas providers charge to cover the cost of maintaining your account, including billing and customer service operations. This charge is separate from the cost of the natural gas you consume and is typically a consistent amount each month. It's important to account for this fee when comparing different providers and their overall costs.
