Alagasco is the largest natural gas utility in the state of Alabama. Serving 463,000 customers, the company is based in Birmingham but has seven operating divisions. In addition to Birmingham, the company has operations in Anniston, Gadsden, Tuscaloosa, Montgomery, Selma and Opelika.

In business serving customers for 152 years, Alagasco has a reputation of providing quality service. The natural gas industry has changed over the last few years, but the fuel is still the most popular energy source for many basic household needs.

Does Alagasco offer any payment programs to take the seasonal swings out of customers’ bills?

During the cold winter months, it is easy to use more gas than you use in the summer. To help avoid the pressure of high winter gas bills, customers can take advantage of the Budget Plan. Customers find comfort knowing they can levelize their monthly gas bills throughout the year.

The Budget Plan is a free service. They estimate the amount of gas a customer will use during the Budget Plan period based on the amount the customer has used in the past. Then, they divide that amount into 12 equal payments so the gas payments are level throughout the period. Budget Plan payment amounts are changed only when there is a difference of plus or minus $10.

Are there any assistance programs to help customers who may be
having difficulties paying their bills?

Alagasco offers its customers a variety of customer assistance programs.

Project SHARE
Alagasco is proud to be a co-sponsor of Project SHARE (Service to Help Alabamians with Relief on Energy). The program has helped thousands of eligible Alabamians by providing money to pay energy bills. A person who qualifies can receive assistance one time during the winter and one additional time during the summer if severely high temperatures cause a health threat. Eligible recipients are people age 62 or older on low, fixed incomes with no other source of funds and people with disabilities who for health reasons cannot keep up a normal family income.

Individual Payment Plan
For customers who are having financial difficulties, we will attempt to make special payment arrangements based on their circumstances.

Third-Party Referrals
For customers who need help beyond the Individual Payment Plan, we can provide them with the names of agencies with programs that may be able to help them pay their gas bill.

Third-Party Notification
Customers may designate a relative or social agency for Alagasco to contact before disconnecting service for non-payment.

No Customer Charge and Safety Inspections
Customers who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Family Assistance will not be billed a monthly charge. To apply for this program, customers can take their award letter or verification to their local Alagasco office.

Customers who receive SSI are eligible for a free inspection of their home gas heating equipment between June 1 and August 31. Alagasco will also make any necessary repairs and charge the customers only for the parts if the work is done within one hour. Customers can call their local Alagasco service center to schedule an inspection.

Services for Visually and Hearing Impaired Customers
Upon request, we will send customers either a large-print bill or a Braille bill to make it easier to read their monthly statement. We also will modify the knobs on their gas cooking equipment with rivets, notches or Braille stickers to mark the heat settings.

Our Telecommunications Device for the Deaf gives our speech and hearing impaired customers the ability to communicate with us around the clock. Customers who need to contact us through this device can call us toll-free at 1-800-548-2547.

Where does natural gas come from that Alagasco sells to its customers?
Alagasco purchases its gas from several different North American suppliers. More than 80 percent of the natural gas consumed in the United States is produced within U.S. borders. Much of the rest comes from Canada, which also has a huge natural gas supply base. Domestic natural gas production is expected to account for more than 75 percent of the total annual U.S. natural gas supply through the year 2025.

Why should I choose natural gas as my energy source?
More than 61 million households rely on natural gas for heating, water-heating, cooking, clothes drying and other uses. Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel and a highly efficient form of energy. By selecting North American natural gas, consumers are doing something good for the environment. Using natural gas instead of dirtier fuels can help address simultaneously a number of environmental concerns, like smog, acid rain and greenhouse gas emissions.

Is there enough natural gas to go around?
Natural gas is an abundant resource. There is more than ample supply for the near future. Increased use of natural gas will result in significant benefits, including a stronger U.S. economy, a cleaner environment and less dependence on foreign sources of oil. The demand for natural gas can change very quickly as a result of changes in weather, economic activity or other key variables.

What is the biggest advantage natural gas has over other energy providers?
Reliability. When other energy sources fail, Alagasco and natural gas are available. Natural gas is ready when the customer needs it. No matter what the situation, natural gas appliances are dependable and efficient. Even when the power is out, natural gas is available.

Is there anything I can do as a consumer to help ensure future generations will have the energy they need?
Yes, in order to help the present and future generations of energy consumers, conservation is encouraged. Everyone should do their part to use natural gas more efficiently. There are many levels of conservation that consumers can use. An example of an inexpensive conservation method is closing off vents and doors in rooms that are not used. An example of more expensive conservation method would be to install storm windows. Everyone shares in the responsibility of conserving natural gas.

Alagasco takes pride in the fact that natural
gas as a fuel is reliable, comfortable and
convenient.

If you have questions about natural gas, call your local Alagasco office or call toll-free 1-800-292-4008. You can also visit Alagasco on the web at www.alagasco.com.