Questions and Answers
What is the Customer Choice Program?
As a result of energy deregulation and Washington Gas's advocacy for a competitive market, customers have the choice to buy their gas from Washington Gas -- the regulated utility -- or from energy supply companies that sell natural gas in the competitive marketplace.
Who can participate in the Customer Choice Program?
All commercial customers in the District of Columbia are eligible to participate.
How do I participate?
A list of licensed, participating energy supply companies is provided below.
If you are considering enrolling, you may want to contact several suppliers, or, in some instances, suppliers already may have contacted you with information -- using advertising, direct mail, personal contact or other customary means to promote their services.
As with other important consumer purchases, make sure to shop and compare prices and services. Talk with energy suppliers about their qualifications, price offers and fees, contract requirements, and billing procedures. Click here for a list of Suggested Questions to Ask Potential Energy Suppliers before Enrolling.
If you decide to buy your natural gas from one of the suppliers listed below, you will be asked to sign a consent form authorizing the supplier to enroll you in the Customer Choice Program.
When can I sign up for the program?
Enrollment is open every month of the year.
Suppliers participating in the Customer Choice Program:
Date: September 06, 2010
The information provided herein is for informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice. Washington Gas cannot guarantee its accuracy. For the most up-to-date information regarding a participating supplier, please contact that supplier directly.
Do retail energy supply companies and their sales representatives work for Washington Gas, the utility?
No. Retail energy suppliers are in business to compete against one another to sell you natural gas and perhaps other energy products and services. Washington Gas is the regulated utility and is responsible for the following:
- Providing the gas supply or commodity to any customer who does not choose to buy from a retail energy supplier.
- Providing safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to all of its customers and responding around-the-clock to any natural gas emergency.
- Reading customers' meters and providing billing services.
What will the energy supply company charge me?
Remember that energy suppliers are competing against one another for your business so it is likely that their prices and services will differ. Be sure to ask which charges are included in the price that a supplier quotes and ask about any additional fees or charges not included. View our Suggested Questions to Ask Potential Energy Suppliers before Enrolling.
How do I make a cost comparison of the participating natural gas suppliers?
Using the Washington Gas Historic Gas Price Comparison table, you can compare suppliers' quoted gas prices for the coming year with Washington Gas's historical prices from the previous year.
When you obtain suppliers' prices, ask whether the price includes the balancing charge, a fee to help ensure adequate supply. Washington Gas's historical price already includes this charge, and you will want to make accurate comparisons.
How am I protected?
Consumer protection standards are in place. The natural gas is delivered to you through the company's system of pipes, and, in the unlikely event that your energy supply company exits the program, Washington Gas makes sure you receive the gas you need.
How do I obtain more information about this program?
To find out more about this program, consider the following resources:
Washington Gas
703-750-1000
District of Columbia Office of the People's Counsel
202-727-3071
http://www.opc-dc.gov
Public Service Commission of the
District of Columbia
202-626-5100
You can also obtain information by calling a special telephone number for both the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia and the District of Columbia Office of the People's Counsel: 1-887-Y-CHOOSE
Other Frequently Asked Questions About the Customer Choice Program
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