What do you do to keep rates low?

Our goal is to provide value to our customers through delivery of safe and reliable natural gas service at the lowest cost we can, which is why we work hard to be prudent in our investments and keep our operating costs low while never compromising the safety and reliability of our service. For example, we recently realigned our customer service department to cut costs while not putting at stake the quality service you’ve come to expect as a customer. In addition, we are consistently investing in new technologies to reduce overhead costs and create efficiencies where possible.

We understand that energy bills, particularly during the cold winter months, can have real impact on customers. This is why we offer billing options like budget billing that can help to spread out heating costs throughout the year and create greater stability and predictability when it comes to home heating expenses. To learn more about budget billing and other payment options click here: http://coloradonaturalgas.com/payment-options/.

We also offer energy efficiency rebates to customers and provide free energy assessments that can help you understand your energy usage and prioritize measures that you can take to improve the efficiency of your home. To learn more about our efficiency programs click here: http://coloradonaturalgas.com/efficiency/.

Also, if you are struggling to pay your bill, you may qualify for low-income heating assistance. For more information click here: http://coloradonaturalgas.com/PaymentAssistance/


Why are your rates different from those of other natural gas utilities?

Just as our rates are set by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, so are the rates of every other private utility. When setting rates, the Commission factors into its decision the unique nature of each utility, like the age of their system, their operating costs, their rate base, etc.

What makes Colorado Natural Gas unique as a utility is that we bring natural gas to underserved or unserved areas of the state where other utilities usually won’t go. These areas tend to be more rural and less populated, and the rural geography can make it costlier to deliver gas, particularly compared to utilities like Xcel Energy that serve far more customers and tend to have service territories in more urban areas. For this reason, our rates tend to be a bit higher.


What is weather normalization?

Weather Normalization Adjustment (WNA) is a practice used by utilities across the country. The WNA reduces the effect of abnormally cold weather on customer bills and reduces the impact of revenue loss to Colorado Natural Gas during unusually warm weather. What this means for you is that when temperatures are colder than normal and you use more gas to heat your home, the rate you pay goes down. In return, when it is warmer than normal and your usage is lower, the rate will increase. As a result, your bills will be more consistent regardless of whether it is warm or cold. It applies to bills mailed between November 1 and April 30.


What do my rates pay for?

At Colorado Natural Gas, we work hard to keep our rates low while continuing to invest in our infrastructure and building natural gas service to new communities. The revenue from our rates goes toward:

  • Efficient response times to your customer service calls so we can get your questions answered quickly and thoroughly.
  • 24-hour, seven-days per week and 365-days per year dispatch and emergency response.
  • Investments in new, smart technologies to monitor, inspect and protect the integrity of our pipeline system so gas is delivered safely and reliably to our customers.
  • Educational programs to train contractors, customers, communities, public safety officials and first responders to help prevent damage to our underground pipes and protect those who live and work near them.
  • Local offices throughout our service territories and employees who live and work in the communities we serve so we can quickly respond to service calls, continually monitor our pipeline system, detect leaks and make needed repairs we can get gas to you when you need it.

Who decides rates?

All rates are decided by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.


What is a rate case?

When the cost of operating and maintaining our natural gas system exceeds what customers are paying in rates, we must request a change in our rates from the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, in the form of a rate case.

A rate case is a transparent process with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission that includes ample opportunity for public input and participation along the way. Through this proceeding, the Commission will review our operations, financial statements, forecasts and additional information to ultimately determine how much it costs us to serve our customers and how much we need to charge customers to cover these costs.


Will the installation of natural gas create any disruption to my property?

While it is a construction site, our crews do their best to minimize any impact to your property. Any disturbances will be restored within a few weeks of the installation being completed.


How do I know if natural gas service is available on my street?

You can use our service map to see if we provide service in your area, or call our customer service department at 1-800-927-0787 . If you would like to request service, you can fill out our Request Service form.


How much will it cost to have natural gas installed in my home?

Costs vary by property. Please call our customer service department at 1-800-927-0787 or fill out our online form at https://coloradonaturalgas.com/request-service to be contacted by a service line specialist.


How often should I have my heating system checked?

Homeowners should have their furnace or central heating system inspected annually. When heating systems are properly adjusted, the by-product of combustion is water vapor and carbon dioxide — the same things we exhale as we breathe. When a heating system powered by a fossil fuel gets out of adjustment and the system isn’t operating properly, carbon monoxide may be produced. An annual check-up of your heating system by a qualified professional ensures it is operating safely and efficiently with the proper mix of fuel to air.


Do natural gas appliances operate when the power goes off?

With the exception of gas furnaces and clothes dryers, gas appliances keep right on working for you when the electricity is off.


What about outdoor gas light and gas grills?

A natural gas outdoor light provides year-round soft, natural light for beauty and security even when the power is off. And nothing is faster and easier than cooking on an outside gas grill.


Are gas clothes dryers available?

Yes, Gas clothes dryers dry clothes faster and actually treat your clothes more gently than electric dryers.


What's the difference between cooking on gas vs. electric?

In a word, control. Professional chefs prefer the instant flexibility of gas cooking for exact, controlled food preparation.


What makes a gas water heater better?

A gas water heater works nearly twice as fast as an electric one, so you’re less likely to run out of hot water. Sources: Appliance Magazine and Manufacturers Specifications.


Do you provide rebates on natural gas equipment?

Yes! Please visit our Rebates page to explore all of our rebates available for high-efficiency natural gas furnaces, boilers, tankless water heaters, and thermostats, as well as information about our online Marketplace and other programs.


Why is natural gas better than other fuels?

There are many benefits to using natural gas for heating, water heating, and more. Visit https://coloradonaturalgas.com/BenefitsOfNaturalGas to learn more!


What should I do if I suspect a gas leak?

Natural gas has no odor of its own, so gas companies add an odorant as a safety precaution. The distinctive odor intentionally smells bad to immediately signal a possible gas leak.

  • Don’t turn on a light.
  • Don’t switch on anything electrical.
  • Don’t light a match.
  • Don’t use your phone.
  • Alert others and leave immediately.
  • Call us at 1-844-528-5520 from your neighbor’s house or another location.
  • Tell us where you are so you can let us into your house when we arrive.
  • Most gas leaks are small and aren’t usually dangerous, but don’t try to judge for yourself if a leak is dangerous or not.