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Commercial Choice Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Natural
Gas Industry Unbundling?
In the past, most commercial customers did not have the option
of choosing their gas supplier. On August 1, 2001, FPUC’s
services will be unbundled, and all commercial customers will
be able to select a supplier of choice or continue to have
FPUC as their natural gas supplier.
Recently a number of states, including Florida, are changing
the rules that control the natural gas industry. Those changes
are called unbundling.
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What’s
open to competition and what’s not?
When you turn on your gas-fired appliances, you receive the
gas from FPUC. You pay for what is called "bundled"
service, that is, you pay for the gas and for having it delivered
to your business. This is kind of like one stop shopping.
Competition only affects the supply of natural gas (purchased
portion) – it does not affect the delivery. Through unbundling,
the natural gas service you now receive from FPUC will be
"unbundled" so that you can shop around for an alternative
supplier of gas. Similar to your phone service, you might
select another supplier for your gas needs while FPUC will
continue delivering the gas to you through our distribution
system.
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What are the benefits
of Unbundling?
Unbundling in the natural gas industry means additional
competition and choice. FPUC’s commercial natural gas
customers will have the opportunity to purchase natural gas
from either FPUC or from a non-utility supplier. By comparing
the different rates and offers available, you can choose the
source for your natural gas that is best for you.
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Is this going
to get complicated?
FPUC will work hard to keep the details clear and to make
Commercial Customer Choice easy for you. Our goal is to keep
your billing simple and keep the enrollment procedures for
changing your natural gas supplier straightforward. The opportunity
to choose is year around, there is no deadline.
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Do you have to switch to
a new supplier?
No. You can continue to purchase gas from FPUC. You do not
have to do anything at all to remain with your current service.
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From whom will I be able to
buy my natural gas?
Beginning in April 2001, there will be a pool manager list
available on this site. You’ll be able to choose from
this list of several different sources of natural gas. One
might be a utility in Florida or in another state. Another
might be an energy marketer or retailer. Even some electric
companies could end up selling gas in Florida. Or you may
simply choose to stay with FPUC.
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How would you go about
making a decision on which pool manager to use?
You will need to comparison shop. FPUC will not be able to
recommend one pool manager over another, but we may be able
to help you with the right questions. Please see the check
list items listed below.
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Can you save money
by participating in this program?
You could. Be sure to ask pool managers about all of the rates
they offer before making a decision. Also ask the pool manager
whether you will save money by buying gas from them. The savings
will depend on the prices offered by pool managers for your
gas supply.
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Right now, I receive
one bill from FPUC that covers everything. What if I decide
to buy natural gas from a pool manager?
You will receive two bills:
- One from FPUC for delivery of your gas supply, and
- One from the pool manager for natural gas and any associated
costs.
The FPUC bill will be for the delivery of the actual (or estimated
if your meter could not be read) amount of natural gas you
used during the billing period.
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What if my pool
manager fails to deliver natural gas?
In the unlikely event that a Pool Manager should fail to deliver
natural gas, FPUC will continue to supply the customer unless
operating conditions exist that would prevent FPUC from acquiring
replacement supplies. Pool Manager will be billed a
per unit penalty for failure to deliver natural gas which
may affect Pool Manager’s charges to you. Please make
sure to ask your prospective Pool Manager for more information
on such charges.
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Can you
switch back and forth between FPUC and your pool manager?
Your enrollment in the Commercial Customer Choice Program
is for one year. If you switch back to FPUC during this period,
you must stay with FPUC for the remainder of the contract
year before switching back to a pool manager. However, the
contract you signed with your pool manager may require you
to buy your natural gas from them for the duration of the
contract. Be sure to check your contract.
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Who should
I contact if I have a service problem, smell gas or have a
safety concern?
If you need service, have problems with a meter, smell gas,
or have any safety concerns, you should always contact FPUC,
regardless of who supplies your natural gas. We are responsible
for delivering your natural gas safely and reliably. If you
are having a problem with the bill for your supply of gas,
you would call your pool manager from whom you purchase gas.
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What should I do
next?
If you decide to purchase natural gas from another supplier,
you’ll will need to request and execute an enrollment
kit. Please contact the gas supply department at 561-838-1723
or 561-838-1727 to receive the enrollment kit and any additional
information.
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Check list of items
that you may want to use to select a pool manager
- Have you read the pool manager’s formal
written contract? Do you understand it?
- Are your service and pricing options clearly
stated? For example: Is the price fixed for the term of
the contract or will it vary?
- Do you know your billing terms?
- What happens if you want to cancel your agreement
before it ends? Are there cancellation fees?
- Do you know how to contact your pool manager?
- Have you compared prices and terms of service
among pool managers?
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Your questions
As changes in the natural gas industry continues in Florida
and we learn the latest details, we’ll give you up to
date information on how the changes affect you. We want you
to have a clear picture of what’s happening so you’ll
be able to make informed choices.
If you have any questions not answered on this web site, or
would like to share your comments about FPUC’s Commercial
Customer Choice Program, please send us an e-mail message
to: choice@fpuc.com.
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