Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep Columbia Gas as my supplier?
Yes. If you have never participated in CHOICE and want to keep Columbia Gas of Maryland as your supplier, no action is required by you. Columbia Gas will automatically remain your supplier of record.
Is there a deadline for signing up?
No. The CHOICE program has open enrollment. You may elect to sign up at any time. It can take up to two bills to reflect your choice of supplier.
I'm a CHOICE customer now. Can I change suppliers?
Yes, but if the term of your current agreement has not expired, you may want to contact your current supplier regarding its policy on early cancelation.
I still don't understand my options. Where can I get help?
Call us toll-free. The Columbia Gas Energy Marketplace hotline is staffed with customer service representatives who can answer your questions about CHOICE, provide you with the latest list of suppliers and guide you through the process. Call us at 1-888-275-4674.
What is CHOICE?
The Columbia Gas CHOICE program is an opportunity for our residential and small commercial customers to buy their natural gas from another supplier who may be able to offer pricing options not available from a regulated utility. Columbia Gas will still distribute the gas to your home, read your meter, respond to any emergencies and provide the superior service you have come to rely on for over 125 years.
Who will bill me for my gas?
It depends on your choice of a natural gas supplier. Columbia Gas has agreed to bill for natural gas usage on behalf of certain participating suppliers. If your chosen supplier is one of these, you will receive one combined bill detailing both gas and distribution charges every month. If not, you will receive two separate bills - a distribution service bill from Columbia Gas and a bill from your supplier for your gas supply.
Will I be able to switch back to Columbia Gas?
Yes. In addition to providing you with our regular distribution and pipeline services, Columbia Gas will remain as an option for the supply of natural gas to your home.
How do I sign up for CHOICE?
Simply select a qualified supplier and enter into an agreement with them. The supplier will then enroll you in the CHOICE program and Columbia will make the necessary changes to your account.
If I choose a new gas supplier, who will respond to emergencies?
You're safe with us. The same responsive service you have come to trust from Columbia Gas will continue, no matter who your gas supplier is. We will maintain our 24-hour-a-day service, so call us…whenever you need us.
Why offer a CHOICE?
It's the right thing to do. Columbia Gas believes that homeowners and commercial customers should be able to buy gas from a variety of competitive suppliers, just as industrial customers have done for many years. We call it "energy economic democracy," and it's at the heart of our CHOICE program. Columbia believes that by opening the market to competition, our customers can take advantage of pricing options and new services. And that raises the level of satisfaction for everyone.
What is the "price to compare?"
Your total natural gas charge is divided into two parts: the gas supply charge (the cost for the gas) and the distribution charge (the cost of delivering that gas to your home or business). The "price to compare" is the cost of gas per hundred cubic feet (Ccf) that you pay to Columbia if you purchase the gas from us. Use this price to comparison shop with other suppliers.
Does Columbia’s gas cost stay the same for an entire year?
Our gas supply cost is subject to change on a quarterly basis, in January, April, July and October. We pass on the cost of gas to our customers with no mark-up or profit. In order to bill you accurately for gas charges we may adjust your rate up or down based on the cost of gas for the previous quarter.