For additional information, please contact the WGES Customer Care Center at 1-888-884-WGES.

Please explain natural gas deregulation to me
Natural gas deregulation allows residential customers to buy gas from suppliers other than the utility (the utility, however, will still distribute the gas to the home). WGES can take advantage of gas supply and market opportunities that are not available to the regulated local utility. These opportunities enable WGES to create innovative gas offerings such as 12-month contracts with fixed gas rates, wholesale gas pricing and the flat-payment Blanket Bill. Customers can benefit from these offerings in terms of gas savings and price stability.

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 of Virginia, Shenandoah Gas or BGE). WGES gas commodity charges will be listed on the 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 Customers: - Yes, Customers will be able to continue to use the Washington Gas Budget Bill plan.

For Columbia Gas of Virginia:- Yes, Customers will be able to continue to use the Columbia Gas Budget Bill plan.

For Shenandoah Gas of Virginia: - Yes, Customers will be able to continue to use the Shenandoah Gas Budget Bill plan.

For BGE Customers: - You will be able remain on the BGE Budget Bill program, however, the Budget Bill plan will only pertain to the BGE distribution charges. The gas commodity charges (from the third party supplier) will be billed monthly based on the actual amount of gas delivered.

Who is WGES and how much experience does WGES have as an energy supplier?
Washington Gas Energy Services is a subsidiary of WGL Holdings, and an affiliate of a company that has served the Washington metropolitan area for over 150 years, Washington Gas. Washington Gas Energy Services (WGES) was created in 1996 to provide customers with deregulated energy supplies. WGES, with annual revenues of over $100 million, is the largest supplier of deregulated energy in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area and supplies natural gas and electricity to over 200,000 commercial and residential customers in the Baltimore-Washington area.

How do I know that Washington Gas Energy Services is reliable?
Washington Gas Energy Services is a financially secure company that is currently the leading supplier of deregulated gas to customers in the Washington D.C. area. Washington Gas Energy Services has been approved by Washington Gas, BGE, Columbia Gas of Virginia and Shenandoah Gas to participate in their deregulation programs. Washington Gas Energy Services will supply your gas reliably since we have extensive experience in buying and selling gas to these markets. You can be further reassured that your utility stands ready to supply you with gas and will look to the supplier to resolve any problems.

Will I save money compared to what I pay my utility?
One of the significant benefits to you when purchasing from WGES is that you can control your gas bill more effectively. For example, you may lock into a fixed price with WGES on an annual contract. This protects your budget from the price spikes and fluctuations that can typically occur with utility gas prices throughout the year. The utility does not offer fixed price options. Your utility's charges will continue to vary, and WGES cannot forecast what they will be in the future, however, WGES will continually strive to develop pricing offers that will allow customers to better control their energy expenditures.

What is a therm? (applicable for Washington Gas, Shenandoah Gas and BGE Customers)
A therm is simply the unit of measure 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? (applicable for Columbia Gas of Virginia 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 third-party marketer and sign up with WGES?
Before switching, carefully review the terms and conditions of the agreement with your current third-party supplier along with any utility program stipulations. You must notify your supplier that you are switching to another supplier. Then you must complete, sign, and return the WGES consent form.

Are there any additional charges or cancellation fees?
Passthrough charges from the Utility are included whether you choose a third-party supplier or choose to remain with the Utility.

Washington Gas - The customer is responsible for the Utility balancing charge of approximately 2¢ per therm. There will be an early termination fee of $50.

Columbia Gas, VA - No additional charges are included from the supplier. Balancing charges and taxes are paid to the utility. There will be an early termination fee of $50.

Shenandoah Gas - The customer is responsible for the Utility balancing charge of approximately 2¢ per therm. There will be an early termination fee of $50.

BGE - The customer will be responsible for state sales tax. There will be an early termination fee of $50.

What is the balancing fee?
The balancing fee is the amount charged by the utility to mange the variation in the natural gas usage pattern 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.

Who will come out and check for gas leaks and respond to emergencies?
Your utility, either Washington Gas, Columbia Gas of Virginia, Shenandoah Gas 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.

How can I enroll?
For your convenience, WGES offers web-based and telephone enrollment processes. The WGES Customer Care Center (1-888-236-WGES) is available Monday-Friday from 7:00am to 7:00pm EST for enrollment, questions or any other assistance. Enrollment via the Internet is available right here on http://www.wges.com.

Who can help me with the utility portion of my bill?
Washington Gas Energy Services does not have detailed utility billing information. You must contact your utility directly at the following phone number for any billing related questions:

Washington Gas - 800.752.7520
Columbia Gas VA - 800.543.8911
Shenandoah Gas - 800.566.7436
BGE - 800.685.0123

How can I obtain current or historic utility rates?
You must contact your utility directly at the following phone number to obtain current and historic utility rates. (Note: To make an "apples to apples" comparison, be sure to ask for the utility's gas commodity rate since that is the comparable charge to the WGES gas price)

Washington Gas - 800.752.7520
Columbia Gas VA - 800.543.8911
Shenandoah Gas - 800.566.7436
BGE - 410.265.4100

Why did the WGES door to door agent collect my energy bill(s)?
WGES collects utility energy bills from customers to ensure that the account information is correct and to help expedite the enrollment with the utility. WGES makes every effort possible to promptly return these energy bills to the customer along with an additional copy of their signed agreement.