Please explain natural gas CHOICE to me.

Deregulation of the natural gas industry allows customers to CHOOSE their own natural gas supplier. Your utility continues delivering your natural gas, reading your meter and providing emergency service just like they always have. You may now choose WGES to become your low-cost energy supplier.

Does the utility mind if I choose WGES as my energy supplier?

No, the utility wants what's best for customers. Customers benefit from lower costs and expanded choices, like fixed prices and wind power, that may result from competition.

Will I continue to receive one gas bill if I choose WGES as my gas supplier?

YES! You will continue to receive one bill from your local gas utility (Washington Gas, Columbia Gas or BGE). WGES gas commodity charges will replace the utility's commodity charges and will be listed on your utility gas bill.

Will I be able to continue on the utility's budget bill program if I choose a third-party gas supplier?

For Washington Gas and Columbia Gas customers - Yes, customers are able to continue to use the Washington Gas Budget Bill plan. Your account will be reconciled, and you will be billed or credited for the difference.

For BGE customers - Due to utility limitations, you will be able to remain on the BGE Budget Bill program. However, the Budget Bill plan will apply only to the BGE distribution charges. The gas commodity charges (from WGES) will be billed monthly based on the actual amount of gas delivered.

Will I save money compared with what I pay my utility?

WGES cannot guarantee savings against the utility's rates since utility rates change monthly, but WGES does guarantee that your price will NOT change for the full term of your contract. This puts you in control of your gas bill and protects your budget from utility price spikes and fluctuations.

What is a therm? (Washington Gas and BGE customers)

A therm is simply a unit of measurement for natural gas. Just as you pay for gasoline for your car by the gallon, you pay for natural gas by the therm. Your total gas bill is comprised of the number of therms you use, multiplied by the cost per therm, plus other gas delivery charges.

What is a CCF (Columbia Gas customers)

A CCF is simply a unit of measurement for natural gas. Just as you pay for gasoline by the gallon, you pay for natural gas by the CCF. Your total gas bill is comprised of the number of CCFs you use, multiplied by the cost per CCF, plus other gas delivery charges.

What if I want to cancel with my current supplier and sign up with WGES?

Deregulation of the natural gas industry allows customers to CHOOSE their own natural gas supplier. Your utility continues delivering your natural gas, reading your meter and providing emergency service just like they always have. You may now choose WGES to become your low-cost energy supplier.

Are there any additional charges or cancellation fees?

Customers of Washington Gas - The customer is responsible for the utility balancing charge. WGES will charge an early-termination fee of $150 or $20 per month for each month remaining on the contract term, whichever is greater, if you cancel your contract before the end of the term.

Customers of BGE - The customer is responsible for state sales tax. WGES will charge an early-termination fee of $150 or $20 per month for each month remaining on the contract term, whichever is greater, if you cancel your contract before the end of the term.

Customers of Columbia Gas - WGES will charge an early-termination fee of $150 or $20 per month for each month remaining on the contract term, whichever is greater, if you cancel your contract before the end of the term.

What is the balancing charge?

The balancing charge is the amount charged by the utility to manage the variation in your natural gas usage from day to day and season to season. It covers storage when less gas is needed and peaking when more gas is required. WGES charges the same amount as the utility for this service.

What happens at the end of my contract term?

You'll receive a renewal offer about 45-60 days before your term is over. However, you are not obligated to renew.

Who will come out to check for gas leaks and respond to emergencies?

Your utility, whether Washington Gas, Columbia Gas of Virginia or BGE, will respond to emergencies and check for gas leaks. They still own, operate and maintain all of the gas distribution systems, and you will continue to pay them for that service.

Will I have to get new lines or a new meter?

No, WGES supplies your energy through existing utility electricity lines and gas meters.

Will WGES perform a credit check?

WGES may perform credit checks and request financial data on customers. In addition, WGES requires customers to be current with their utility payments.

Who can help me with the utility portion of my bill?

WGES will make every effort to help you with your billing questions but may not have detailed utility billing information. You may contact your utility directly at the following phone number for any billing-related questions:
Washington Gas - 1-800-752-7520
Columbia Gas VA - 1-800-543-8911
BGE - 1-800-685-0123

How can I enroll?

For your convenience, WGES offers web-based and telephone enrollment options. The WGES Customer Care Center (1-888-236-WGES) is available Monday-Friday from 8:00am to 6:00pm for enrollment, questions or any other assistance. Enrollment via the Internet is available right here on www.wges.com.