Columbia Gas Utility Resources

Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania is a natural gas utility company that provides safe, reliable, and affordable natural gas services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Pennsylvania. Serving over 436,000 customers across 26 counties, the company is dedicated to delivering excellent customer service and promoting energy efficiency and sustainability. Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania is a subsidiary of NiSource Inc., one of the largest fully regulated utility companies in the United States. The company focuses on safety, infrastructure modernization, environmental responsibility, and community engagement through various programs and initiatives

You can reach Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania customer service through several convenient methods:

• By Phone:

  • Customer Service: Call 1-888-460-4332 for billing inquiries, service requests, or general information. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

  • Emergency Line: For gas leaks or emergencies, call 1-888-460-4332 immediately (available 24/7). Follow the prompts to report an emergency.

  • Hearing Impaired (TTY/TDD): Dial 711 for relay service.

• Online:

  • Visit the Contact Us page on the Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania website to send an email or access online resources.

  • Online Account Management: Register or log in to the My Account portal for account management.

• Mailing Address: Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania P.O. Box 742510 Cincinnati, OH 45274-2510

• In Person:

  • Customer Service Centers: Check the Payment Locations page for authorized payment centers and locations in your area.

For emergencies such as gas leaks or odors, do not hesitate to call the emergency line at 1-888-460-4332 immediately.

Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania offers a variety of convenient payment options to fit your needs:

• Online Payments:

  • My Account Portal: Register or log in to the My Account portal to view and pay bills securely using a bank account or credit/debit card.

  • Guest Payment: Make a one-time payment without logging in via the Pay Now option.

• Automatic Payment (AutoPay):

  • Enroll in AutoPay to have your monthly bill automatically deducted from your checking or savings account on the due date.

  • Enrollment: Set up AutoPay through your online account or by calling customer service at 1-888-460-4332.

• Mobile App:

  • Download the Columbia Gas mobile app from the App Store or Google Play to manage your account and make payments on the go.

• By Phone:

  • Call 1-888-460-4332 to pay your bill over the phone using the automated system. Have your account number and payment method ready.

• In Person:

  • Pay at authorized payment locations such as MoneyGram agents and select retail stores. Use the Payment Locations finder on their website to locate a site near you.

• Third-Party Payment Services:

  • Utilize services like MoneyGram or Western Union. Be aware that additional fees may apply, and processing times may vary.

If you suspect a gas leak or encounter a natural gas emergency, it's crucial to act quickly and prioritize safety:

1. Recognize the Signs of a Gas Leak:

   • Smell: A strong odor similar to rotten eggs due to the added odorant (mercaptan).

   • Sound: Hissing, roaring, or whistling noises near gas lines or appliances.

   • Sight: Dead or discolored vegetation in an otherwise green area, dirt or debris blowing into the air, or bubbling in wet areas.

2. Immediate Actions:

   • Evacuate: Leave the area immediately, including all occupants and pets.

   • Avoid Sparks: Do not use any electrical devices, phones, light switches, or open flames. Do not start vehicles or machinery.

   • Do Not Attempt to Locate the Leak: Do not try to find the source of the leak or stop it.

3. Call for Help:

   • Once at a safe location, away from the suspected leak, call Columbia Gas's emergency line at 1-888-460-4332 immediately.

   • Alternatively, call 911 to report the emergency.

4. Do Not Re-Enter:

   • Do not return to the area until it has been declared safe by Columbia Gas personnel or emergency responders.

Columbia Gas has trained professionals who will respond promptly to assess and address the situation, ensuring your safety and that of the community.

Budget Payment Plan:

Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania offers a Budget Payment Plan to help customers manage their energy expenses by spreading costs evenly throughout the year:

• How It Works:

  • Your annual gas usage is estimated based on historical data.

  • This amount is divided into equal monthly payments, allowing for predictable budgeting.

  • The account is reviewed periodically, and adjustments are made if necessary to reflect actual usage.

• Enrollment:

  • Enroll in the Budget Payment Plan through the My Account portal or by calling customer service at 1-888-460-4332.

Payment Assistance Programs:

Columbia Gas provides several assistance programs to support customers facing financial difficulties:

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):

  • Provides grants to help low-income households pay heating bills.

  • Eligibility: Based on household income and size.

  • How to Apply: Visit the Pennsylvania LIHEAP website or call 1-866-857-7095.

• Customer Assistance Program (CAP):

  • Offers a reduced monthly payment amount based on income and usage.

  • Benefits: Lower monthly payments and debt forgiveness over time.

  • How to Apply: Call 1-800-537-7431 to speak with a representative.

• Emergency Repair Fund (ERF):

  • Provides financial assistance for repair or replacement of natural gas heating equipment.

  • Eligibility: Income-qualified customers.

  • How to Apply: Contact 1-800-537-7431 for more information.

• Dollar Energy Fund:

  • A hardship fund providing grants to customers who have difficulty paying their utility bills.

  • How to Apply: Call 1-800-537-7431 or visit the Dollar Energy Fund website.

• Payment Arrangements:

  • Flexible payment plans to help manage past-due balances.

  • How to Apply: Contact customer service to discuss options.

• Medical Certification:

  • Prevents service termination for households with a qualifying medical condition.

  • How to Apply: Provide a medical certificate from a licensed physician.

For comprehensive information on these programs, eligibility criteria, and application processes, visit the Energy Assistance page or contact customer service.

Starting Service:

• Online Request:

  • Visit the Start Service page.

  • Complete the online form with required information, including your name, contact details, service address, and preferred start date (please allow at least three business days).

• By Phone:

  • Call 1-888-460-4332 to speak with a customer service representative who can assist with your request.

• Required Information:

  • Identification: Social Security Number or Tax ID.

  • Proof of Occupancy: Lease agreement, closing documents, or deed.

Stopping Service:

• Online Request:

  • Visit the Stop Service page.

  • Provide your account number, current address, and the date you wish the service to be discontinued.

• By Phone:

  • Call customer service to schedule a service termination.

• Final Meter Reading:

  • Ensure that the meter is accessible for a final reading on the scheduled date.

Transferring Service:

• Moving Within Service Area:

  • Contact customer service to transfer your service to a new address within Columbia Gas's service area.

  • Provide new address details and move-in/move-out dates to coordinate the transfer.

Additional Notes:

• Security Deposits:

  • A deposit may be required for new customers or accounts with prior payment issues.

• Service Appointments:

  • A technician may need access to your property to activate or deactivate gas service and perform safety checks.

• Advance Notice:

  • It's recommended to request service changes at least three to five days in advance to ensure a smooth transition.

Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania's rates and tariffs are regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) and are designed to cover the costs of providing safe and reliable natural gas service.

Rate Components:

1. Gas Supply Charges:

   • Reflects the cost of the natural gas commodity.

   • Adjusted quarterly to align with market prices.

   • Columbia Gas does not profit from the gas commodity costs; they are passed through to customers without markup.

2. Delivery Charges:

   • Covers the cost of delivering gas through the pipeline system, including maintenance and infrastructure investments.

3. Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC):

   • Funds upgrades and improvements to the gas distribution system.

4. Taxes and Regulatory Fees:

   • Includes state and local taxes and other fees mandated by law.

Accessing Rate Information:

• Rates and Tariffs Page:

  • Visit the Rates and Tariffs section on the Columbia Gas website to view current rate schedules.

• Tariff Documents:

  • Download detailed tariff documents for comprehensive information on rates, charges, and terms of service.

• Bill Calculator:

  • Use any available tools on their website to estimate your monthly charges based on expected gas usage.

Customer Service:

• For personalized rate information or questions about your bill, contact customer service at 1-888-460-4332.

Customer Choice Program:

• Energy Choice:

  • Pennsylvania's Natural Gas Choice program allows customers to choose an alternative gas supplier for the commodity portion of their bill.

• How It Works:

  • Columbia Gas continues to deliver gas and maintain the pipeline system.

  • The third-party supplier provides the gas commodity.

• Benefits:

  • Potential cost savings.

  • Flexible pricing plans.

• Considerations:

  • Review supplier contracts carefully.

  • Ensure the supplier is licensed by the Pennsylvania PUC.

  • Be aware of variable rates and any cancellation fees.

For a list of approved suppliers and more information, visit the Pennsylvania Gas Switch website.

While natural gas is a fossil fuel, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania is committed to environmental sustainability and offers programs to promote energy efficiency and support environmental initiatives:

Energy Efficiency Programs:

• WarmWise Energy Efficiency Program:

  • Provides rebates and incentives to help customers improve energy efficiency in their homes.

  • Benefits:

    • Rebates for high-efficiency natural gas appliances such as furnaces, boilers, water heaters, and smart thermostats.

    • Home energy audits to identify areas for improvement.

  • How to Participate:

    • Visit the WarmWise page to view eligible products and submit rebate applications.

Environmental Initiatives:

• Infrastructure Modernization:

  • Investing in pipeline upgrades to enhance safety and reduce methane emissions.

• Renewable Natural Gas (RNG):

  • Exploring opportunities to integrate RNG produced from organic waste into the gas supply, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Education and Outreach:

• Energy Efficiency Tips:

  • Provides customers with tips and resources to reduce energy consumption and lower bills.

• Community Programs:

  • Supports local environmental initiatives and participates in community outreach programs.

Green Programs:

• Carbon Offsets:

  • While not directly offered, customers can explore third-party programs to offset their carbon footprint associated with natural gas usage.

For more detailed information on Columbia Gas's environmental commitment and energy efficiency programs, visit the Energy Efficiency section of their website.

Columbia Gas provides numerous resources and programs to help customers reduce energy consumption and save money:

Energy Efficiency Tips:

• Heating and Cooling:

  • Set your thermostat to 68°F in the winter when home and lower it when away or sleeping.

  • Use programmable or smart thermostats to automate temperature adjustments.

  • Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system to ensure efficiency.

• Insulation and Sealing:

  • Improve home insulation in attics, walls, and crawl spaces.

  • Seal leaks around windows, doors, and ducts to prevent heat loss.

• Water Heating:

  • Set your water heater thermostat to 120°F.

  • Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators to reduce hot water usage.

  • Fix leaky faucets promptly.

• Appliances:

  • Opt for ENERGY STAR® certified appliances that consume less energy.

  • Run full loads in dishwashers and washing machines.

  • Unplug devices and appliances when not in use to avoid "phantom" energy usage.

Rebate Programs:

• WarmWise Rebates:

  • Receive cash rebates for purchasing qualifying high-efficiency natural gas appliances.

  • How to Apply:

    • Visit the WarmWise Rebates page to download rebate forms and view eligibility criteria.

• Home Energy Audit:

  • Schedule a home energy audit to identify specific areas where your home can be more energy-efficient.

  • Benefits:

    • Personalized recommendations.

    • Access to additional rebates and incentives.

Online Tools and Resources:

• Energy Calculators:

  • Use online calculators to understand your energy usage patterns and receive customized saving tips.

• Educational Materials:

  • Access articles, guides, and videos on energy conservation strategies.

Community Programs:

• Workshops and Events:

  • Participate in local workshops that focus on energy efficiency and sustainability practices.

Customer Support:

• Personalized Assistance:

  • Contact Columbia Gas's energy efficiency specialists at 1-800-537-7431 for personalized advice and information on energy-saving programs.

Implementing these strategies can lead to significant savings on your natural gas bill and contribute to environmental conservation.

As Columbia Gas is a natural gas utility company, it does not manage electrical services or power lines. However, encountering a downed power line or electrical hazard is dangerous. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Stay Away:

   • Keep a safe distance of at least 30 feet from the downed line and anything it may be touching, including puddles of water and metal objects.

2. Do Not Touch:

   • Do not attempt to move or touch the power line or any objects in contact with it, such as vehicles or tree limbs.

3. Avoid the Area:

   • Do not drive over downed power lines or through water that may be in contact with them.

4. Call for Help:

   • Immediately call 911 to report the hazard.

   • Contact the local electric utility company responsible for power services in your area to report the issue.

5. Warn Others:

   • Keep others away from the area until emergency responders arrive.

For Gas-Related Emergencies:

• If the downed power line has caused damage to gas lines or you smell gas:

  • Evacuate the area immediately.

  • Avoid Sparks: Do not use electronic devices or anything that could create a spark.

  • Call Columbia Gas: From a safe location, call 1-888-460-4332 to report the gas emergency.

Important Contacts:

• Local Electric Utility Companies:

  • Duquesne Light: 1-888-393-7000

  • FirstEnergy (West Penn Power): 1-888-544-4877

  • PECO Energy: 1-800-841-4141

Always prioritize safety and do not take any risks when dealing with electrical hazards.