Commissioner Stan Wise Urges Consumers to Evaluate Their Natural Gas Price Rates Now Ahead of Potential Increases in Winter Prices

Atlanta, (April 24, 2008) – Commissioner Stan Wise says Georgia natural gas customers have a unique opportunity to save money on their energy costs thanks to Georgia’s deregulated natural gas market despite surging energy prices that are affecting consumer prices in every sector of the economy. Commissioner Wise urges natural gas consumers in the Atlanta Gas Light delivery areas to think ahead about next winter’s natural gas bills.

   “We can anticipate that natural gas prices will be significantly higher this coming winter than they were last winter,” said Wise. “Consumers should check the Public Service Commission website, www.psc.state.ga.us for the latest natural gas prices, compare those prices and consider locking in a fixed rate now to avoid these coming price increases. Natural gas prices are updated on the 5th of every month.”

   Wise says consumers who are already in a fixed rate contract should evaluate whether it will be cost effective to pay an early termination fee in order to lock in another rate to carry them through the winter heating season. Consumers who switch to a new natural gas marketer must do so by the 19th of the month in order for the change to be effective on the 1st of the following month. Consumers are allowed one free switch in a 12 month period. Consumers who make any additional switches will pay a $7.50 switch fee.

   “I believe consumers who can take advantage of lower prices now will achieve significant cost savings on their upcoming winter natural gas bills,” said Wise.

   Commissioner Stan Wise has served on the Georgia Public Service Commission since 1995 and previously served as Commission Chairman in 1997, 1999 and 2006. He is also a past President of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC).