We need your help, and so do your readers. Gas deregulation has created new opportunities for all of us, but with the opportunity, some challenges and confusion have also been created. I would appreciate your printing this letter, along with some frequently asked questions and concerns that we hear. Perhaps they will serve to inform, and therefore ease the discomfort associated with so much change.

Recently, we expanded our Call Center at Coweta-Fayette EMC to handle increasing requests for information about the delivery of natural gas and to handle over 4,500 new customers who have elected to do business with EMC and our partner, Peachtree Natural Gas (PNG). Yet, even we have encountered puzzling issues during deregulation.

Most recently, we sent a file to PNG containing the names and addresses of new customers, along with Atlanta Gas Light (AGL) account numbers and permission to switch the accounts. Unfortunately, Utilipro, the data contractor for PNG, corrupted the file (Feb. 20) through an equipment error. Although they requested help from AGL in putting those names through the system for timely billing on March 1, AGL refused the request since it was submitted at their deadline, and stated that it would have to be resubmitted for the change to occur on April 1.

Naturally, there are thousands of people out there who won't know why there's a delay nor why their next bill comes from Atlanta Gas Light when they requested the switch. All of them won't read this letter, but we hope that the following list of commonly asked questions and answers will assist all of your readers, no matter who they select to provide their natural gas. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and your help.

Questions and Answers about the Delivery of Natural Gas under Deregulation:

Q: I signed up with a new natural gas carrier last month, but still haven't heard from them. Should I choose someone else?

A: No matter who you select to provide natural gas, your permission to switch must be processed by Atlanta Gas Light Company. If you signed up after their cut-off date, you won't actually be switched for another month.

Q: Why did I receive a gas bill from Atlanta Gas Light Company and then another from my new provider with "Pipeline Charges?"

A: No matter who you select to provide natural gas, it will be delivered through a pipeline owned by Atlanta Gas Light Company. You'll receive a final bill from AGL, and it may arrive with your first EMC bill. Each gas marketer pays AGL a fee to "use" the pipeline, much like leasing space. Customers pay a share of that fee, and it is charged up front in order to deliver the gas, even before any usage.

Q: The bill I get from my new gas provider is different than what I'm used to. How do I know what I'm being charged for?

A: Choose a gas marketer who clearly itemizes charges. Some marketers claim to guarantee a low, fixed rate (per therm of gas used) for one year; if so, then your pipeline charges will vary according to what the company is paying, and they may build in a profit. Some offer a variable gas rate, which will go up or down according to what that company is paying for gas each month. Those companies may charge a fixed pipeline charge each month. Ask for as much information as you need to make the right choice when you switch.

Q: Is there a difference in gas marketers who are out of state and those who are local? There don't seem to be many in my area.

A: This is a question that may not have an answer until there's more evidence. Naturally, most people feel better when there's a local office and a real person to deal with in business issues. Only you can decide which is preferable for you at present. Usually, a company with several years' experience in an industry creates more confidence than a start-up. Again, only you can decide.

Q: If I switch from Atlanta Gas Light, am I stuck with the new company?

A: Absolutely not. Some marketers may charge a fee for switching within a certain time frame, but if you're not under a contract, there is no obligation. This is another question to ask any marketer you consider. However, there is another charge through Atlanta Gas Light if you switch more than twice.

Q: I understand that if I don't choose my own gas provider, the Public Service Commission (PSC) will select one in my service area for me. Do they know which one is the best one?

A: When 33 percent of AGL customers have chosen a gas provider, a 100-day countdown begins. Any customers who have not made a selection at that time will be automatically assigned to a new provider. The PSC's assignments will be based on the percentage that providers are already serving in the customer's geographic area. The assignment won't be based on rates or on whether the provider is a local company.

Keep in mind that the initial switch to any gas marketer involves Atlanta Gas Light Company, who must process the first request. If you need more information, please contact Coweta-Fayette EMC at 770.502.0226, or call the Public Service Commission at 404.656.4501.