Who's Who in the Georgia Natural Gas Market
The Entities You Need to Know
In Georgia, the natural gas market is characterized by a complex landscape of various entities, each playing a crucial role in the industry. From regulatory bodies to infrastructure providers, understanding these key players is essential for consumers to make informed decisions and navigate the market effectively. We will provide an overview of the primary entities involved in the Georgia natural gas market, including the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC), Libert Utilities as the lone local distribution company (LDC), Atlanta Gas Light (AGL), natural gas marketers, and municipal gas systems.
Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC)
The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) is a state regulatory body responsible for overseeing utilities, including the natural gas industry. The PSC's main roles include setting rates for regulated utilities, ensuring the safety and reliability of utility services, and monitoring the market for any unfair or deceptive practices. They also certify natural gas marketers and maintain a list of certified marketers for consumers to choose from.
Utility: Atlanta Gas Light
Atlanta Gas Light (AGL) is a significant player in the Georgia natural gas market, as it serves as a "pipes-only" company responsible for maintaining the natural gas infrastructure in its service territory. AGL was previously the state's largest LDC until the Natural Gas Competition and Deregulation Act of 1997, after which it opened its territory to competition from natural gas marketers. Although AGL does not sell natural gas directly to consumers, it plays a vital role in ensuring the safe and reliable distribution of natural gas from marketers to customers.
Natural Gas Providers (Marketers)
Natural gas providers (or natural gas marketers) are companies that purchase natural gas from producers and sell it directly to consumers. In Georgia, these marketers operate in a deregulated market, offering consumers the choice of natural gas providers. They compete with each other to provide the best rates, contract terms, and customer service. The PSC certifies natural gas marketers and maintains a list of certified marketers for consumers to choose from. When selecting a natural gas marketer, customers should consider factors such as pricing plans, contract terms, customer service, and reputation.
Local Distribution Company (LDC): Liberty Utilities
A Local Distribution Company (LDC) is responsible for the transportation and delivery of natural gas to consumers. In Georgia, Liberty Utilities is the sole LDC, operating the pipelines and infrastructure necessary for natural gas distribution. Although Liberty Utilities is regulated by the PSC, customers within its service area do not have the option to choose their natural gas provider.
Municipal Gas Systems
Municipal gas systems are publicly-owned entities that provide natural gas to residents within their jurisdictions. In Georgia, there are 84 municipal gas systems that operate independently of investor-owned utilities and natural gas marketers. Price set by municipal gas systems are not subject to PSC regulation, and residents within their service areas do not have the option to choose their natural gas provider.
Comparison Sites / Aggregators
Comparison websites, such as GeorgiaGasSavings.com, aggregate information from multiple natural gas marketers, allowing customers to easily compare plans and prices in one location. These sites often provide filters to help customers narrow down their choices based on specific preferences, such as contract length, pricing structure, or green energy options. These sites can be a valuable tool for consumers looking for unbiased provider information, such as consumer reviews, ratings, and testimonials.
Understanding the key entities in the Georgia natural gas market is essential for consumers to make informed decisions and navigate the industry effectively. By familiarizing yourself with the roles and responsibilities of the Georgia Public Service Commission, local distribution companies, Atlanta Gas Light, natural gas marketers, and municipal gas systems, you can better understand the market dynamics and take advantage of the opportunities presented by Georgia's deregulated natural gas market.
