The best time to shop for a natural gas provider is always before your contract expires! But if you are wondering what time of year are natural gas prices in Georgia the lowest? The answer may surprise you.
Seasonality of Natural Gas Prices in Georgia
Most people would assume that natural gas prices are highest in summer and winter.
After all, natural gas prices fluctuate depending on supply and demand.
Demand is high in the summer because we use so much electricity to cool our homes. Nationally, 38% of power is generated through natural gas, and in Georgia that goes up to 48%! Demand is also high in the winter, as half of consumers use natural gas for heat.
But data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) tells a different story!
The EIA stores information on the price of natural gas for residential customers in Georgia.
Their data, based on prices from both natural gas marketers and default utilities, shows that natural gas prices in Georgia tend to peak in the summer and drop in the winter!
The graph below shows the price history of natural gas in Georgia. As you can see, the lowest prices for natural gas occur in the winter, November – March.
What’s the Best Time to Shop for Natural Gas in Georgia?
Based on pricing history, the best season to shop for natural gas in Georgia is fall and winter, between November and March.
However, the reality is the best time to shop for natural gas in Georgia? Is whenever your contract is expiring.
If you are in the Atlanta Gas Light (AGL) utility area, you must shop for your natural gas supply, you can not purchase it from your utility.
And when your supply contract expires, you need to shop for a new natural gas provider, no matter what time of year it is. Otherwise you’ll pay a variable off-contract rate based on market pricing.
Natural Gas Providers in Georgia
There are a number of Certified Gas Marketers that can provide your natural gas supply. Each natural gas supplier in Georgia is approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission.
You can find a partial list of natural gas providers in Georgia here, and current GA natural gas rates below.
Natural Gas Provider Rates in AGL
| Plan Name | Term | Rate per CCF |
|---|---|---|
| Gas South Variable Rate (Month to Month) | 1 | 39.00 ¢ |
| XOOM Energy Sure Lock 12 | 12 | 44.90 ¢ |
| XOOM Energy Sure Lock 24 | 24 | 44.90 ¢ |
| XOOM Energy Rescue Lock 12 | 12 | 47.90 ¢ |
| Constellation 12 Month | 12 | 54.90 ¢ |
| Gas South Fixed Rate 6 | 6 | 59.00 ¢ |
| Constellation 24 Month | 24 | 59.90 ¢ |
| Gas South Fixed Rate 12 | 12 | 63.00 ¢ |
| Constellation 36 Month | 36 | 64.90 ¢ |
| Gas South Fixed Rate 24 | 24 | 69.00 ¢ |
