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Dominion East Ohio - Energy Choice Program
Gas Recovery Rate (GCR) vs. Standard Service Office (SSO) Frequently Asked Questions
A new pilot program approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) will allow Dominion East Ohio to change the way it buys natural gas for customers who have not selected a natural gas supplier.
- Dominion East Ohio GCR vs. SSO - what is changing?
- GCR vs. SSO - what stays the same?
- Why is Dominion East Ohio changing the way it buys natural gas?
- Who is eligible to choose an alternative natural gas supplier through the Energy Choice program?
- Are customers who buy natural gas from other suppliers still Dominion East Ohio customers?
- Where can I get specific information on suppliers and their Energy Choice offers?
- Dominion East Ohio GCR vs. SSO - what is changing?
- Starting in mid-October 2006, the line item on the billing statement known as the Gas Cost Recovery (GCR) will change to the Standard Service Offer (SSO). With the SSO, all customers will pay the same transportation rate for the delivery of natural gas supplies whether a home or business. This change makes it easier for customers to compare and shop for natural gas prices. The SSO price will change monthly to reflect the change in the market price of natural gas.
- GCR vs. SSO - what stays the same?
- Dominion East Ohio will continue to deliver natural gas to all customers, offer payment plans, such as budget billing, and handle emergency and other customer-service calls. Ohio law prohibits Dominion East Ohio and other utilities from earning a profit on the natural gas but does allow the company to recover -- on a dollar for dollar basis -- the cost of securing those natural gas supplies.
- Why is Dominion East Ohio changing the way it buys natural gas?
- The Energy Choice program has had widespread success. About 70 percent of Dominion East Ohio’s 1.2 million customers already participate in Energy Choice. So, the company is taking the program to the next level by urging all customers to investigate their options and to make the best choice for themselves.
- Who is eligible to choose an alternative natural gas supplier through the Energy Choice program?
- To choose an alternative natural gas supplier on your own, you must be a Dominion East Ohio customer. You must not owe any payments of 30 days or more as of your last billing statement or you must be current on a payment plan. Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) customers are covered by the Standard Service Offer and are not eligible to participate in Energy Choice.
- Are customers who buy natural gas from other suppliers still Dominion East Ohio customers?
- Yes. Regardless of the supplier, Dominion East Ohio will continue to deliver the natural gas to homes and businesses. As always, customers will continue to pay a transportation charge based on the amount of gas they use, plus the same applicable monthly service charge.
- Where can I get specific information on suppliers and their Energy Choice offers?
- For Energy Choice supplier offers, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio published the "Apples to Apples" chart to compare prices. You can find that chart online at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. Additionally, the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel publishes a "Comparing Your Energy Choices" chart, residential customers may visit the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel to find it.