The benefits of long-term natural gas rates in Georgia

Energy costs are a top concern for Georgia homeowners. From firing up the grill in summer to getting cozy by the fireplace when the weather cools, there are many causes for higher energy bills regardless of the season. Luckily, there are easy ways to reduce costs. Long-term natural gas rates could help you save money and make your natural gas bills more predictable. With a fixed rate, you don’t have to worry about price fluctuations. You can rest easy knowing your price is set for a defined timeframe. 

Is a long-term natural gas rate right for you? Keep reading to learn more about SCANA Energy’s fixed rates, who qualifies, and who they benefit.

Understanding Long-Term Natural Gas Rates

In Georgia, long-term natural gas rates are offered through what’s called a “fixed rate plan.” With a fixed rate natural gas plan, your therm price is guaranteed for the entirety of the plan you choose. SCANA Energy offers plans ranging from 6 to 36 months, giving you the option of predictability for up to 3 years.

The Benefits of Long-Term Natural Gas Rates

1. Price Stability

Natural gas prices are constantly fluctuating due to weather conditions, demand, and storage. While these are taken into account when forecasting future natural gas rates, predictions aren’t 100% accurate. An unexpected shift in weather or changes in trader positioning can affect natural gas prices. With a long-term natural gas plan, these changes don’t matter. Your price is locked in, giving you peace of mind and predictable gas bills.

2. Long-Term Savings Opportunities

Having an idea of how much you’ll be spending on natural gas gives you opportunities to plan for saving. Estimating your cost for winter bills can lead you to look into ways to conserve energy and maximize your savings. Check out our Help Center for savings tips and information about natural gas bills.

3. Peace of Mind for Budgeting

Long-term natural gas rates also offer predictability when thinking of future energy bills. With a fixed rate, you can look at your past natural gas usage and estimate what your natural gas bills will look like. This makes budgeting a breeze, taking away the stress of the unknown.

Why SCANA Energy Recommends Long-Term Plans

SCANA Energy is committed to helping consumers in Georgia make smart energy choices. This includes the recommendation to lock in a fixed rate if you qualify for one. Rate plans are designed with customers in mind, offering peace of mind and savings.

Plus, SCANA Energy makes it easy to manage your account. With a call to the customer care center or visit to your online account, you can access plan information and usage history. It’s also easy to set up recurring payments for monthly bills and automatic renewal for fixed-rate plans, so you never have to worry about late payment fees or forgetting when your plan ends.

Want even more predictability? Look into Budget Billing to avoid any surprises or high seasonal natural gas bills. Budget Billing uses your usage trends and the next year’s predictions to calculate the estimated cost of energy for a year. This amount is divided by 12 to create equal monthly payments for a year. Click here to learn more about how Budget Billing works.

How to Choose the Right Plan for Your Needs

Not sure if a long-term natural gas rate is right for you? The first step is to check if fixed-rate plans are available for your home. If fixed rates are an option for you, it’s time to look at your past usage, consider seasonal needs, and any future home plans like renovations or moving.

If you only use natural gas to heat your home or plan on moving outside of Atlanta Gas Light’s service area, it may be better to sign up for a variable rate so you can have the flexibility to stop service at any time with no fees. You can also look at the current therm price for a 6-month fixed rate plan to help determine what would be best for your home.

If natural gas powers more than just your heater and you’re staying put, it is likely that a long-term natural gas rate is better for you. Analyze your past usage and consider upcoming weather patterns while you research fixed-rate natural gas plans. The past and future both will inform your decision on which plan will work best for you.

You can also call SCANA Energy’s Customer Care Center at 877.467.2262 and one of our experts can walk you through your options and help you make the right choice.

In short, long-term natural gas rates come with a lot of perks. Whether you want to avoid natural gas price changes or just prefer having more predictable energy bills, fixed-rate plans are a great option. Check out our residential rate plan options to sign up today, or call 877.467.2262 to have one of our energy experts help you make the right choice.