When Georgia's Public Service Commission decided to deregulate natural gas, it did so with the consumer's best interests in mind. A deregulated climate offers consumers the ability to choose one of several gas marketers and affords competitive pricing.

It also offers up a lot of gimmicks and introductory deals that make the sign-up process a confusing one for many consumers, said president and CEO of Coweta-Fayette EMC Michael Whiteside.

Coweta-Fayette EMC is one of a growing number of EMCs around the state to partner up with Roswell-based Peachtree Natural Gas and offer its members the ability to purchase natural gas and electric energy from a single and familiar source.

"We spent over a year researching those companies entering the deregulated gas market, analyzing their pricing and talking to our members before we formed a partnership with Peachtree," Whiteside said. "Their experience in the commercial gas industry coupled with a shared commitment of delivering the highest level of customer service and guaranteed low costs to our members were the determining factors in our forging this strategic alliance."

Still, confusion abounds in this newly competitive climate now that Atlanta Gas Light is no longer the holder of the singular gas flame, which is why Whiteside and Deborah Latham, president and founder of Peachtree Natural Gas, thinks consumers have a right to better understand the new playing field.

"There have been numerous stories relating to deregulation, yet it is still apparent that many consumers remain skeptical regarding the various claims gas marketers are making in terms of price and service," Latham said.

Whiteside and Latham encourage Coweta-Fayette EMC members and other gas consumers to call Coweta-Fayette EMC at 770-502-0226 with any questions.