Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Gas Rate Increase Questions
General Questions
Q: What are the advantages of using natural or
propane gas?
A: Natural and propane gas continue to be the best value for your energy
dollar. Compared to electricity, natural or propane gas appliances can
cost less than half as much to operate. As a gas customer you'll enjoy
savings up to almost 50% on your heating, water heating, clothes drying
and cooking costs! More importantly gas is a safe, reliable, and environmentally-friendly
energy source.
Back to Top Q:
I think I smell gas in my house. What should I do?
A: Natural and propane gases are colorless and odorless. Clearwater Gas
System adds a distinctive odor resembling rotten eggs, so that you can
smell the gas immediately should a leak occur. A faint odor of gas maybe
attributed to a pilot light that has gone out and should be re-lit. A
strong gas odor indicates that you should leave your home at once. To
report a gas leak, call Clearwater Gas System, using an outside phone,
at our emergency number: 727-462-6633.
Back to Top Q:
I am a new customer. Why is there an additional charge to turn my gas
on?
A: The additional charge covers the cost of performing the required safety
test, turning on the meter, lighting the gas appliances, and the Utility
Customer Service costs to establish the account and process the deposit.
Back to Top Q:
Who decides what the gas rates will be and how are they established?
A: After review in public hearings, the gas rates are set by ordinance
for gas service, excluding the fuel charge, which is the actual cost for
Clearwater Gas to purchase the gas from its supplier. The gas rates are
set to recover the Clearwater Gas System's cost to serve each customer
class.
Back to Top Q:
Is it economical to change my appliances from electric to gas?
A: Yes, gas service is very competitive. A family of four consumes an
average of 465 therms per year totaling approximately $856.00 per year.
The equivalent amount of electricity for a family of four would cost
approximately $1,628.00 per year. Compared to electricity, natural and
propane gas are relatively cheaper than electric energy for typical applications.
Back to Top Q:
Are there any incentive programs for converting from electric to gas?
A: Yes, our energy conservation allowance program can help you save up
to $1,000 when you convert costly electric appliances to money saving
gas appliances. Call us at 727-298-3540 for complete details.
Back to Top Q:
How long does it take to have natural or propane gas service connected
to my home?
A: Natural gas can be connected to your home within a 4 to 6 week timeframe
depending on the time it takes for the permit to be issued and the completion
of the required paperwork. Propane gas can be connected within a 2-week
timeframe.
Back to Top Q:
Does Clearwater Gas System sell gas appliances?
A: Yes, Clearwater Gas is a full service gas energy company. In addition
to providing economical natural and propane gas, we sell all types of
energy efficient gas appliances. Please call our Sales Center at 727-298-3540
to speak with a sales representative.
Back to Top Q:
Is it a requirement to have my appliances installed by Clearwater Gas
System?
A: No, you may contact any licensed plumbing contractor. The best source
for locating a plumbing contractor is via the Yellow Pages.
Back to Top Q:
Does Clearwater Gas System install gas piping or repair gas appliances?
A: Yes, we have a complete Installation and Service department to install
and maintain residential and commercial gas piping and appliances. For
expert installation, maintenance and repair services call the Clearwater
Gas Service and Repair at 727-562-4900, ext. 7419.
Back to Top Q:
My gas bill is much higher now than last year, why?
A: Many factors contribute to the fuel consumption of an appliance such
as the age of the equipment, efficiency/maintenance, lifestyle of the
occupants (number of people in home), type of appliances and weather conditions.
Note: usage will vary for each customer.
Back to Top Q:
How much gas does an average family consume?
A: Each customer has different usage values. For example, not everyone
likes the same water temperature or room temperature. So there are several
factors to consider when estimating potential gas usage. Please refer
to the Clearwater Gas Fuel Use and Cost Comparison
Chart for average cost and consumption rates.
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Gas Rate Increase Questions
Q: Why must the gas company
increase the rates for gas service
when gas prices are steadily increasing every year?
A : The commodity cost of natural gas, what Clearwater Gas pays
to our gas suppliers, is itemized on your gas bill as the "fuel"
component. This is a direct pass-through to customers. Clearwater Gas
does not mark-up this cost, and does not make a profit on this charge.
The commodity cost of gas energy, like gasoline, fuel oil, electricity
and other forms of energy has increased over the last several years due
to market forces.
The rate increases involve two areas, and reflect:
- increases in the cost of labor and materials involved in installation
and service & repair costs, and:
- increases to fixed costs associated with maintaining a gas service
account including meter reading, billing and administrative costs
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Q:
How will the rate increase affect me as a customer?
A: The Monthly Residential Customer Charge, which has been $7
since October 1, 1997, will increase to $8 and similar increases are reflected
in other classes of customer billings.
The hourly labor rates for installation and service calls, which have
not changed since May 1, 2002, will increase to $79 for a one-person crew.
Please refer to the CGS charges list for a breakdown of adjusted propane
(LP) rates, which has not changed since May 1, 2002. Customer charges
and the restructuring of our "Will Call" LP service provide
for more customer choice.
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Q:
What's included in the monthly customer charge?
A: This is a fixed charge, regardless of how much gas is used,
to cover costs associated with maintaining a gas service account including
meter reading, billing and administrative costs, as well as a portion
of the system costs associated with providing availability of gas service.
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Q:
Should I expect a monthly customer charge increase every year?
A: No. The Customer Charge component has been fairly static,
and has not increased since 1997. Going forward, we do not anticipate
increased volatility in the Customer Charge component of the monthly bill
for gas service. However, regarding installation, service and repair charges,
please keep in mind that labor and material costs directly affects the
price for service. We pledge to keep our services economical, while continuing
to provide the customer service that you have grown to expect from your
hometown gas company.
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Q:
What incentives does Clearwater Gas have to limit rate increases?
A: Clearwater Gas System has several reasons to hold down
costs:
- We have a competitive incentive. We are well aware that customers
may choose alternate energy sources. We must compete daily with electric
utilities and other alternative energy sources to provide our customers
with safe, reliable, economical gas energy.
- We have a professional responsibility. Clearwater Gas System has
been providing gas service since 1923. We are proud of our record of
community involvement and professional achievement that make Clearwater
Gas a recognized leader in the gas utility industry.
- We have a community responsibility. As a public gas system, Clearwater
Gas is responsible to our customers and to the communities we serve.
We take that responsibility seriously, and work hard to contribute to
the economic development and growth of our Suncoast service territory.
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Q:
I am on a fixed income and money is tight, are there any programs
available to assist me with paying my gas bill or paying for gas services?
A: Customers with limited incomes may qualify for energy bill
assistance from the federally-funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance
Program (LIHEAP). For more information and or to apply for LIHEAP assistance,
please contact the Urban League of Pinellas County at (727) 327-0977.
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