Working with Natural Gas Utilities

Convert to natural gas suppliers, set up budget billing and take safety precautions

Converting to natural gas utilities is a great way to become more energy efficient, save your business money and reduce your company's dependence on foreign oil. The first step is to make sure natural gas service is available at your place of business. Once that's done, a phone call to the gas company will begin the conversion process.

Working with natural gas utilities to set up service is relatively simple. Natural gas suppliers go out of their way to make the process as easy as possible. But before you switch to a natural gas supply, you should know:

1. The basics of converting to a natural gas supplier;

2. How to avoid seasonal highs and lows in your fuel company bill;

3. And how to recognize a leak in your natural gas supply.

 

Convert to natural gas utilities

Natural gas utility companies entice new customers by making the conversion process inexpensive and simple. Assuming natural gas service is available at your business location, a crew will install a service line, install your new natural gas equipment, inspect the equipment and activate the service.
Try: The conversion process is clearly explained at WGL Holdings, also known as Washington Gas. Washington Gas serves the Washington, D.C., area. Detailed information on conversion is also available from NW Natural, one of the natural gas utility companies serving Oregon and Washington state.

Sign up for budget billing from gas companies

Once you've converted to natural gas service, you may want consider setting up budget billing. Under budget billing plans, the natural gas utilities estimate how much product a customer will use for the entire year. That amount is divided by 12, and a customer is billed the same amount every month, avoiding high fuel bills in the winter.
Try: Natural gas companies such as Corning Natural Gas and New England Gas Company detail their budget billing plans on their websites.

Get safety information from natural gas utilities

Overall, natural gas companies have an excellent safety record, but you should still know some basic safety information in case of a leak. Leaking natural gas will smell like rotten eggs, and you may hear a hissing sound. If you suspect a leak, you should call 911 immediately.
Try: The websites of many natural gas suppliers, such as ONEOK, contain a list of what to do and not to do if you suspect a natural gas leak. The ONEOK website also lists relevant emergency numbers for gas companies. Virginia Natural Gas details exactly what you should do in case of an indoor or outdoor leak.

 

• Many gas companies offer rebates on new natural gas equipment to make the conversion process less expensive.

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