- Are CTAs regulated?
CTAs are not regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) or PG&E. However, PG&E requires new CTAs to enter into a Core Gas Aggregation Service Agreement with PG&E which outlines the CTAs’ obligations and responsibilities. PG&E then requires all new CTAs to complete a certification process, which entails meeting credit and technical requirements, before they are eligible to enroll and serve customers.
- How does the program work?
To participate, your home or business must be part of a gas usage pool with a combined usage of at least 120,000 therms per year. The pool can consist of any combination of core gas customers from within PG&E's service territory and need not be linked by residential or business class, or geography. Linked by their designation of a common CTA, each customer in the pool is required to make a minimum 12-month commitment to the Core Gas Aggregation Program and purchase natural gas from a CTA, instead of PG&E.
- What are the responsibilities of a CTA?
A CTA is responsible for ensuring that sufficient gas is delivered daily to PG&E's pipeline system to supply its customers’ forecasted usage. As part of PG&E's ongoing service, PG&E is the backup supplier in the event your CTA fails to arrange for an adequate supply of natural gas, defaults on its obligations or goes out of business.
- Will I continue to receive a monthly bill from PG&E?
Yes, in most cases. PG&E provides three types of billing options for a CTA: 1) PG&E Consolidated Billing where PG&E consolidates its monthly gas distribution and transmission charges and a CTA’s gas charges into a single bill; 2) CTA Consolidated Billing where a CTA consolidates its monthly charges and PG&E’s charges into a single bill; and 3) Separate Billing where PG&E and a CTA separately bill for their respective monthly charges.
- Who do I contact for billing questions?
Contact PG&E for questions regarding the gas distribution and transmission charges shown on your monthly bill. Contact your CTA for any questions concerning their monthly gas charges.
- Will I continue to receive my CARE discount if I buy gas from a CTA?
Yes. The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) discount is mandated by the State of California and continues for all qualified customers regardless of whether PG&E or a CTA supplies their gas. The CARE discount for the customer’s gas commodity, distribution and transmission charges will continue to appear on the PG&E portion of the bill and the discount would be the same as if the customer remained a bundled customer with PG&E.
- Will PG&E lose money if I switch to a CTA?
No. Due to the way natural gas utilities are regulated, PG&E does not make a profit from the sale of natural gas to its retail customers. PG&E instead makes its regulated profit from delivering gas through its pipeline system, as well as from other sources.
- Are there any extra charges or franchise fee surcharges
PG&E does not assess any "extra" charges to customers who purchase natural gas from a CTA. Under any of the billing options available to a CTA (e.g., PG&E Consolidated Billing, CTA Consolidated Billing, and Separate Billing), a customer’s bill is first calculated as if the customer remained on bundled service with PG&E. The PG&E procurement (gas) portion of the bill is then subtracted from the bill through a "Procurement Credit." Finally, a franchise fee is added to the PG&E portion of the bill. Please note that the franchise fee is NOT an extra charge for customers buying their gas from a CTA—it is part of the PG&E procurement charge and is collected under Gas Schedule G-SUR to pay franchise fees (roughly 1 percent) on the gas volumes purchased from a CTA.
- If I buy my gas from a CTA, whom do I call in case of an emergency?
You should continue to call PG&E in case of any emergency involving gas service to your home or business. We will also continue to respond to your safety-related calls, such as gas leaks, and maintain the distribution system leading to your home. We can be reached at 1-800-743-5000.
- How do I cancel service with my CTA?
The agreement or contract you enter into with your CTA should outline the cancellation process and conditions. If a CTA terminates service to you, you will be returned to PG&E's bundled service which means that PG&E will resume buying gas for your home or business.
- What if I have a dispute with my CTA?
You may file a complaint with the CPUC or file an action in the judicial court system.
