What your natural gas provider can do for you

In a rapidly changing landscape, finding a natural gas provider you can trust — one with proven experience and the solutions customized to your business’ unique needs — is a game changer.

As market volatility continues and prices rise, the process of selecting a natural gas provider has gotten complicated. Working with a partner that can help you build an effective energy strategy can free up your business to grow, thrive, and innovate.

Let’s look at what a natural gas partner can provide.

Your provider can look at your previous utility bills and evaluate your facility’s unique natural gas usage profile to develop a plan for achieving goals specific to your business. Providers typically hedge natural gas based on your chosen term, risk tolerance, and market conditions. (And the best providers work with you to determine just what that risk tolerance is.)

Working with a natural gas provider that can customize pricing may help you better plan for natural gas costs, giving you more peace of mind and reliability when it comes to budgeting your operating expenses.

Of course, “stability” means different things to different businesses. The right natural gas provider will take the time to evaluate your unique usage and understand what you’re hoping to achieve. They’ll recommend the best blend of products and services to help you succeed, maximizing favorable market conditions.

Market Expertise

It’s an understatement to say that the natural gas market is complex. It’s more important than ever to work with a partner who understands how to make the right short- and long-term decisions for your business.

What to consider when choosing a natural gas provider

Whether exploring options for a small business or for an industrial company with a large footprint, here are 5 questions to guide your decision making.

What’s the right natural gas strategy for my business?

The energy market can be unpredictable. There are many things out of your control — including weather patterns, changing regulations, and technological innovations — that make managing natural gas a challenge for both large and small businesses. It’s important that you work with a partner with a wide variety of products, services, and contract options that can be customized to help meet your organization’s goals while managing operating expenses.

How transparent is my natural gas provider?

Before agreeing to a long-term partnership, you’ll want to be certain that your natural gas provider is open and honest about every detail of your contract. Things like regulatory changes, swing, material deviation, and force majeure can potentially alter the agreement you’ve signed. Be sure to insist that a representative from the provider you’re considering is willing to sit down with you and go over every detail in the document.

Does my provider have a reputation for excellent customer service?

Before making your choice, make sure the provider is willing to assign a dedicated representative to your business. The right provider can serve as a trusted extension of your team, helping you navigate the market.

How financially strong is my provider?

A stable supply of natural gas is essential to ensuring your business’ operation. Before entering into a long-term agreement, you need to be sure that your natural gas provider is reliable and financially healthy. Before signing a contract, consider requesting audited financial information from the provider.

What's my provider's company structure?

Many providers are subsidiaries of larger international companies and may not have the time or ability to focus on your industry or local market. Privately owned companies are often more flexible, with dedicated teams for each customer. When researching natural gas providers, look for one that’s privately held and domestically based.

Learn more about what SCANA Energy can provide for your business.