Bill Credit Frequently Asked Questions
Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania customers will be receiving a one-time bill credit in their November 2009 bills.
Why is Columbia Gas giving this credit?
Each year, gas utilities in Pennsylvania must conduct a thorough review of customers’ bills to determine if there is a need to recover under-collected gas costs, or to provide a credit, based on over-collections for the prior year. This year, Columbia’s customers will receive a credit. By law, gas utilities cannot make a profit on the gas they sell to customers, but they are permitted to recoup the actual costs incurred in purchasing the gas. This year, natural gas prices dropped significantly after the January 2009 quarterly rate adjustment. This credit makes certain that customers receive the benefit of the lower-than-expected gas prices.
Why such a large credit?
For Columbia’s customers, this credit would normally occur in installments applied to monthly bills over a 12-month period, beginning in October. However, to ease the impact of winter bills during the current economy, Columbia Gas has been granted permission from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to apply the entire amount, less the monthly installment already credited in October 2009, during the November 2009 billing cycle through a one-time bill credit.
Will I be receiving a credit?
If you purchased natural gas from Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania in at least one month between October 1, 2008, and September 30, 2009, you will receive a credit based on the amount of natural gas you purchased.
How much will my credit be?
The amount will vary for each customer since the credit is based on the amount of gas you purchased between October 1, 2008, and September 30, 2009. For customers who have maintained service throughout this entire period, the average residential customer credit will be approximately $170.
Where can I locate the credit amount on my bill?
This amount is shown as an adjustment under the “Service Charge Notes” on page 2 of your November 2009 bill.
When can I expect the credit?
The credit will be applied to your November 2009 bill.
Will the credit be sent to me as a check?
If the balance on your November 2009 bill reflects a credit, you may call us at
1-888-460-4332 to request a check for the difference, or you may choose the convenience of carrying the credit balance over to future bills until the credit is completely satisfied.
I’m on a budget payment plan. Will I get a credit?
Yes. Columbia will apply the credit in November and review the customer’s budget payment plan amount to determine if it needs to be adjusted. Customers are advised to carefully review their bill for the budget amount that they should pay.
I’m in the CAP program. Will I receive a credit?
No. Under Columbia Gas’ CAP program, low-income customers already receive a discounted rate and their past bills are forgiven, so those customers are not eligible for the one-time bill credit.
My credit is larger than my bill amount. Will the credit carry over to next month?
Yes. We will automatically adjust the balance accordingly for your future bills until the credit is satisfied.