Natural gas marketers are free to offer customers gas and provide terms and conditions that FortisBC can't.
As a utility company regulated by the BC Utilities Commission, FortisBC must offer the same variable price to all customers within the same rate class. FortisBC can not offer discounts or different prices to customers within the same rate class.
This is not the same with a natural gas marketer. As a result, the pricing and supply options you can now secure with a gas marketer are quite different from your supply arrangement with FortisBC.
Whatever you choose, remember that gas marketers:
Potential risks of your choice
By signing a Consumer Agreement with a gas marketer, you are committing to purchase natural gas at a fixed price for one to five years. For a typical homeowner, signing a contract represents a significant financial commitment over the agreed-to time period. Make sure you read and understand the contract thoroughly before signing it.
The amount you pay over that period could end up being more or less than what you would be charged by FortisBC for the same period. It all depends on how much volatility there is in the gas commodity market.
After the 10-day cancellation period, your contract may be subject to penalties for early termination. Be sure you understand your contractual obligations and read the fine print before you sign on the dotted line.
Certainty behind your choice
Should your gas marketer surrender or lose its license, your agreement will more likely transfer to another gas marketer. FortisBC will step in if no other arrangements can be made. If the cost to supply you with gas is higher than the current FortisBC regulated rate, you may be charged extra.
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