What Is Natural Gas ‘Unbundling’?
A number of states, including Florida, have taken action to change the rules that control the natural gas industry. One of such changes can be referred to as ‘unbundling’, which promotes industry competition and consumer choice by allowing consumers to choose deregulated natural gas services.
How Does ‘Unbundling’ Relate To FPU’s Provider Choice Program?
In the past, FPU’s commercial customers didn’t have the ability to choose their natural gas Provider. Today, you are able to shop for and select an Alternate Provider (also known as ‘unbundling’ your natural gas service) or continue to use FPU as your natural gas provider. FPU will continue to handle the actual delivery of your natural gas regardless.
What Are The Benefits Of This Program?
FPU’s Provider Choice Program gives you the opportunity to purchase natural gas from either FPU or an Alternate Provider (also referred to as a ‘Pool Manager’). By comparing the different rates and offers available, you can choose the natural gas provider that works best for you and your business.
How Do I Find The Best Provider To Use?
You will need to comparison shop by individually contacting the companies listed on our Approved List of Providers, which consist of fellow Florida utilities, marketers and retailers based in other states. While FPU will not be able to recommend one Provider over another, we can help you ask the right questions, including:
- Have you read—and do you fully understand—the Provider’s formal written contract?
- Are your service and pricing options clearly stated?
- Do you understand the billing terms and other details of the agreement?
- What happens if you want to cancel your agreement before it ends? Are there cancellation fees?
- Have you compared prices and terms of service among Providers?
Can I Save Money By Participating In This Program?
Certain commercial customers save money on this program while others do not. Be sure to ask a Provider how much you can expect to save given their current rates and other offers before making a decision.
I Receive Multiple Natural Gas Bills?
If you choose to buy natural gas from an Alternate Provider, you will receive two bills: one from FPU for the delivery of natural gas and one from your Alternate Provider for the purchase of natural gas and any associated costs.
What If My Provider Fails To Deliver Natural Gas?
In the unlikely event that your Alternate Provider fails to deliver natural gas, FPU will continue to supply your natural gas unless operating conditions prevent us from acquiring replacement supplies. Your Provider will also be billed a ‘per unit penalty’ for failing to deliver your natural gas. Please make sure to ask prospective Providers for more information on such charges.
Can I Switch Back And Forth Between FPU And My Provider?
Your enrollment in the Provider Choice Program is for one year. If you switch back to FPU during this period, you must stay with FPU for the remainder of the contract year before switching back to an Alternate Provider. However, the contract you sign with your Alternate Provider may require you to buy your natural gas from them for the duration of the contract. Be sure to examine your contract for specific details.
Who Should I Contact If I Have A Service Problem, Smell Gas Or Have A Safety Concern?
Regardless of your Provider, FPU is responsible for delivering your natural gas safely and reliably. If you have a service issue, smell a distinct ‘rotten egg’ odor or have any other safety concerns, please contact FPU at 800.427.7712 once safely outside the location. Or, dial 911 if you sense a more serious emergency.
How Do I Enroll In FPU’s Provider Choice Program?
If you decide to purchase natural gas from an Alternate Provider, your selected Pool Manager will enroll you electronically via Company’s website. Transportation service will begin on the first of the month, provided the customer has received an initial bill and the Pool Manager’s electronic submission was accepted by the Company by the tenth business day prior to the first day of the month. If you have further questions regarding the enrollment process, please contact an approved Pool Manager.