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The permanent program replaces a three year experimental program which allowed up to 225,000 to participate in 2001. This expanded program gives all customers the option to obtain natural gas from a supplier of their choice. This means that you, as a residential or business customer will now be able to choose a new gas supplier. MichCon will still continue to provide gas distribution service by delivering your gas to your home or business. Beginning April 1, 2002, up to 440,000 MichCon natural gas customers are eligible to participate in the program on a first-come, first-served basis. Effective April 1, 2003, up to 660,000 customers are eligible and all gas customers may participate on April 1, 2004. Participation in the program is strictly voluntary. If you do not wish to switch to a new supplier your gas service will continue to be provided by MichCon and the price of your gas supply will be regulated by the Public Service Commission. If you wish to switch to a new supplier the price you pay for your gas supply will be the price the supplier offers. If you choose to participate in the customer choice program you may return to the utility at any time. If you switch back to buying gas from MichCon after participating in the customer choice program you are required to remain a MichCon sales customer for 12 months before you can choose a new supplier. |
| Frequently Asked Questions About MichCon's Gas Customer Choice Program |
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Who is eligible to participate in MichCon's Customer Choice program? | ||
| All residential and business customers are eligible except those who are already transportation customers. Transportation customers must comply with any minimum requirements of those tariffs. | |||
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If I am on the Budget Billing Payment Plan Option, can I participate? | ||
| Yes. | |||
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What if I do not wish to switch to a new supplier? | ||
| That is your choice. If you choose to remain a sales customer of MichCon the price that you pay for your gas supply will be determined by the Michigan Public Service Commission. See current rates. | |||
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How do I sign up with a new supplier? | ||
| You can sign up over the telephone, via the Internet, or in person. You will need to provide your name, address and MichCon account number and meter number if you want to sign up with the new supplier. These numbers are on your bill. Your new supplier will then send the information to MichCon. To avoid unauthorized switching, do not disclose specific account information if you do not want to be switched to a new supplier. | |||
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Is there a sign up period? | ||
| No. Beginning April 1, 2002, you can sign up anytime during the year until 440,000 customers have enrolled. If enrollment is full, the next sign-up period will begin April 1, 2003. All sales customers will be able to choose another supplier beginning April 1, 2004. | |||
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How can I find out which suppliers are participating in the program? | ||
Visit MichCon's web site at: Also, see Supplier/Marketer Contacts page for a list of suppliers that are licensed with the MPSC. |
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How long will it take to switch to a new supplier? | ||
| About two to six weeks depending on when your gas utility reads your meter. | |||
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Can I switch from one supplier to another? | ||
| Yes, you can switch to another supplier at any time. However, be sure to ask your potential suppliers if there is a cancellation fee or a minimum term to be eligible for the savings or rebate. You can switch back to MichCon sales service after 12 months, but must remain with MichCon for the following 12 months. | |||
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How do I cancel my contract? | ||
| You must contact the supplier to cancel your contract. The MPSC does not regulate the supplier and therefore cannot cancel or change contracts. | |||
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Do I have to pay a fee if I switch suppliers? | ||
| There is no fee charged by MichCon for one enrollment during a 12-month period. A fee of $10 will be charged for additional switches during that time. Your supplier may have fees or penalties if you leave before the end of your contract period. You should review the terms and conditions of your contract with your new supplier. | |||
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Does the Michigan Public Service Commission regulate the rates of the suppliers participating in the program? | ||
| No. It is up to you to determine if a supplier meets your needs. Be sure you understand the terms of the contract and the price you will pay, including any additional administrative fees the supplier may charge. If you have questions or problems concerning your gas supply, you must contact the supplier. See Supplier/Marketer Contacts page. | |||
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Who will deliver the gas to my home? | ||
| MichCon will continue to deliver gas to your home. You will not need a new service line or meter if you choose a new supplier. If you are a residential customer, your delivery (distribution) cost and monthly customer charge are the same as a MichCon Sales customer. | |||
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If I choose an alternative supplier to purchase gas on my behalf, do I pay my utility any charges? | ||
| Yes, you would pay the utility delivery charges that you have always paid. These charges consist of the Monthly Customer Charge and the Distribution Charge. The amount you agree to pay your alternative supplier for the gas they purchased for you will be billed and collected by MichCon and MichCon will pay your alternative supplier. | |||
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Will I continue to pay sales tax if I switch suppliers? | ||
Yes. If you are a residential customer your bill will include a 4% sales tax (plus 5% Detroit tax where applicable) on the total bill. If you are a business customer, the rate is 6% (plus 5% Detroit tax where applicable). |
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Who do I call if I smell gas? | ||
| If you smell gas or have a service emergency you will still call MichCon for help. | |||
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Who do I call if I have a billing dispute? | ||
| MichCon will continue to read your meter and send you a bill for their delivery service and the gas you purchased from your supplier. Call your energy supplier if you have any questions concerning your gas charges. If you have questions concerning your customer charge or distribution charges, you will still call MichCon. | |||
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What can I do if I can't get my problem resolved through MichCon or the supplier? | ||
| If you have not received a satisfactory response from your gas utility or your new supplier, inquire or complain to the staff of the Michigan Public Service Commission (at www.Michigan.gov/mpsc under Consumer Information). | |||
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