Comparing natural gas rates in Pittsburgh? Thanks to PA Gas Choice you can shop for a supplier. In this article we provide information on your gas distribution company, supplier options and how to choose a supplier.
What is the Gas Company in Pittsburgh?
If you live in Pittsburgh the gas company, also known as the natural gas distribution company, could be one of two companies.
Your gas company in Pittsburgh is either Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania or Peoples Gas.
Check your natural gas bill to see which distribution company serves your home. Moving to a new home? Ask your realtor, landlord or apartment manager. If they don’t know, contact Columbia Gas first, since they are the larger provider in the area.
You don’t have a choice of which gas distribution company services your home. But you can choose your supplier.
Shopping tip: Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania sells gas at a price per therm. Peoples Gas sells gas at a price per Mcf. You can learn more about therms vs. Mcf in our article on that topic. When shopping, focus on the price per unit of gas that is sold in your utility market.
Can I Choose My Gas Supplier in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh residents can participate in the PA Gas Choice program. That means that you can choose your supplier for gas. Whatever company you pick, your gas distribution company, Columbia Gas of PA or Peoples Gas, continues to deliver gas to your home.
You basically have two options when it comes to natural gas supply in Pittsburgh:
- Utility Standard Service Offer: Stay with Columbia Gas or Peoples Gas for your natural gas supply and pay the Standard Service Offer (SSO), also known as the price to compare. Your price will change quarterly and you have no control over what rate you pay. To choose this option as your gas company (supplier) do nothing.
- Licensed Natural Gas Supplier: Or you can shop for a natural gas supplier in Pittsburgh. Switching your natural gas supplier has several benefits. You can get a fixed rate plan so you can avoid the utility rate roller coaster. And you may be able to lock in a rate that’s below the current price to compare.
Just note that when you lock in a fixed rate for a certain term? The utility rate keeps changing. That means that sometimes you may save, sometimes you pay more, but you’ll have a guaranteed rate per unit of gas for the term of your agreement.
Compare Natural Gas Rates in Pittsburgh (Columbia Gas)
| Plan Name | Term | Rate per THERM | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XOOM Energy SureLock 12 | 12 | 49.90 ¢ | ||
| XOOM Energy SureLock 24 | 24 | 49.90 ¢ | ||
| Santanna Energy Services Fixed-Rate Gas 12 | 12 | 51.90 ¢ | ||
| Direct Energy Live Brighter 8 | 8 | 51.90 ¢ | ||
| Constellation 12 Month Home Natural Gas Plan | 12 | 53.90 ¢ | ||
| Constellation 24 Month Home Natural Gas Plan | 24 | 53.90 ¢ | ||
| Direct Energy Live Brighter 18 | 18 | 59.90 ¢ | ||
Compare Natural Gas Rates in Pittsburgh (Peoples Gas)
| Plan Name | Term | Rate per MCF | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santanna Energy Services Fixed-Rate Gas 12 | 12 | $ 5.79 | ||
Shop PA Natural Gas Rates by Zip Code
How to Compare Natural Gas Plans in Pittsburgh
Most consumers look for the lowest rate per unit of gas when they are shopping.
- Rate per ccf of gas. This is the most important factor when comparing natural gas plans. How much will you pay.
- Type of contract. Always check the type of contract. There are fixed rate and variable rate agreements. A fixed rate gives you the same price per unit of gas for a fixed contract term. A variable rate gives you a low price up front, but that rate changes monthly.
- Contract term. How long is your rate fixed for? How long are you committed to this supply rate?
- Early Termination Fee. If you change your mind and want to switch to another supplier or back to the utility, this is the fee you pay to cancel your contract.
Company reputation is also important. We fully vet and evaluate companies prior to listing them on the NaturalGasPlans site. That helps narrow down the number of choices to the best suppliers.
We recommend purchasing a fixed rate gas plan with the lowest available rate.
What’s the Average Natural Gas Bill in Pittsburg?
Over 50% of homes in Pennsylvania use natural gas for heating. (Source: EIA). If that’s you, you want to find the lowest price for natural gas, to cut your home utility bills.
The average home in Pennsylvania is 2,240 square feet and uses 96 Mcf or 960 therms annually. The average price per unit of gas is $12.42 per Mcf or $1.242 per therm (Source: EnergyModels). That means the average monthly natural gas bill in Pittsburg around $99.36.
Your natural gas bill will vary depending on the size and age of your home and your energy consumption habits. In addition to shopping for the lowest price per ccf of gas, you can also implement home improvements to lower your winter heating bill.
