Shop for Gas

Potential Natural Gas Suppliers may request certain customer-specific information from Peoples. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) therefore has adopted the following requirements for the release of residential and commercial customer information.

• You may choose to restrict the release of all your customer information. If you tell us that you want your customer information (name, billing address, service address, rate class, account number, and historical billing data) to be kept private, then we will not release this information to a third party.
  
  
• You may choose to restrict the release of only historical billing data. If you tell us that you do not want historical billing data released, we may release your name, billing address, service address, rate class, and account number to a third party, but we will not release your historical billing data.
  
  
  • Note: The "Eligible Customer List" is updated throughout the year. Customer telephone numbers will NOT be released under any circumstances.
    
    
  • To restrict your information or reinstate the release of your information, call 1-800-764-0111 or send a letter to Peoples Natural Gas, P.O. Box 535323, Pittsburgh, PA 15253-532

You should select a Natural Gas Supplier (NGS) based on your individual needs. There are a number of approved suppliers for you to choose from. These suppliers are licensed by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

When you begin shopping for a Natural Gas Supplier, the following sites would be a good place to start, as they carefully track and publish current available rates:

• Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission's PA Gas Switch site
• Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate's Residential Consumer's Natural Gas Shopping Guide

Peoples cannot recommend a supplier, but we can offer some tips and questions you can follow to find the supplier that best meets your needs. Here are some questions to ask a supplier to make sure you understand what is included in their service agreements:

• Are you a Natural Gas Supplier licensed by the PA PUC?
• What are your prices and how do they compare to the default utility rate?
• Is the natural gas price fixed or will it vary throughout the year?
• Is there a cap on how high the variable rate can be?
• Does the price include all fees and/or taxes?
• What is the length of the agreement?
• What happens after the agreement expires?
• Are there any other fees, such as early termination fees?
• Will I receive one combined bill, including Peoples Natural Gas charges and my supplier’s charges, or will I receive two separate bills?
• Do you offer any other products and services?
• Do you have a toll-free contact number to handle customer service questions?

Once you have shopped and compared Natural Gas Suppliers, contact your selected Natural Gas Supplier. They will walk you through the sign up process.

After you choose a new Natural Gas Supplier (NGS) and enter an agreement for your gas supply, the NGS will notify us of this change. Peoples will then send you a letter confirming your choice, and this letter will give you 5 days to respond if you change your mind.

Choosing to participate in Energy Choice is available year-round, so you can select a Natural Gas Supplier at any time.

What is Energy Choice?

Through the Peoples Energy Choice Program, all residential customers are able to purchase natural gas from someone other than Peoples. This allows you freedom of choice and the ability to select a gas supplier that best meets your needs.

If you choose another supplier for your natural gas, Peoples will continue to deliver that natural gas to your home or business.

Is Energy Choice new?

No. Peoples Energy Choice Program has been available since 1997.

Are other utilities offering Energy Choice?

Yes. You should check with your current utility companies for further information or details.

Do I have to change the way I purchase natural gas?

No. It is strictly a program to give customers a choice.

What if I don’t want to choose?

Nothing will happen if you don’t choose a supplier. You will continue to receive your natural gas supply from Peoples at rates regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

How much can I save with Energy Choice?

It will depend on a lot of things, like how much gas you use and the company you choose to supply your natural gas. It will be necessary for you to shop around for the best value, just as you do now for other things that you purchase frequently.

Will a new natural gas supplier have to install new gas lines and a different meter?

No. Your gas supplier will buy your natural gas and deliver it through existing piping systems. Peoples will then deliver the gas to your home or business. Peoples will continue to own and maintain your existing meter.

How do I sign up with a new natural gas supplier?

Once you have shopped and compared natural gas suppliers, contact your selected natural gas supplier. They will walk you through the process.

Will I receive more than one bill?

It depends on what your natural gas supplier offers. You may be able to receive one combined bill from Peoples that includes your gas supplier’s charges and Peoples’ transportation charges. Or you may receive a bill from Peoples and a bill from your supplier.

Once I choose a different natural gas supplier, can I change my mind in the future?

You can choose to change your gas supplier at any time. Please read you supplier contract before cancelling your service as early termination fees may apply.

Where can I find a list of approved Natural Gas Suppliers?

A list of approved natural gas suppliers can be found here.