Frequently Asked Questions About
SEMCO Energy
Gas Customer Choice Program |
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Who is eligible to participate in the program? |
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All residential and business customers are eligible except those who are already transportation customers. Participation in the program is strictly voluntary. |
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If I am on Budget Billing, can I participate? |
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Yes. |
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What if I do not wish to switch to a new supplier? |
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That is your choice. If you choose to remain a sales customer of SEMCO, you will continue to pay a regulated GCR rate for your gas supply. See current rates. |
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How do I sign up with a new supplier?
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You can sign up over the telephone, via the Internet or in person, depending on what sign up options the suppliers are offering. You will need to give the supplier your name, address and SEMCO account number. This number is on your bill. Your new supplier will then send the information to SEMCO. 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?
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No. All sales customers have been eligible to choose another supplier since April 1, 2004. |
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How can I find out which suppliers are participating in the program?
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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?
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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?
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Yes, you can switch to another supplier at any time. However, be sure to ask your current and potential suppliers if there is a cancellation fee or a minimum term to be eligible for the savings or rebate. When you enroll with a new supplier you will automatically be canceled with your old supplier and may be responsible for a cancellation fee at that time. You can switch back to SEMCO sales service at any time, but you must remain with SEMCO for the following 12 months. |
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How do I cancel my contract?
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You must contact the supplier to cancel your contract. The Michigan Public Service Commission 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?
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There is no fee for your original enrollment and you are also allowed to switch once each year without a fee. There is a $10 fee for each additional switch. |
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Does the Michigan Public Service Commission regulate the rates of the suppliers participating in the program? |
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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. |
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Who will deliver the gas to my home? |
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SEMCO will continue to deliver gas to your home. You will not need a new service line or meter if you choose a new supplier. Your delivery (distribution) cost and monthly customer charge will be the same as a SEMCO sales customer. SEMCO also charges a $0.025 per Ccf balancing charge and a $0.04568 per Ccf Capacity Demand Charge to all customers. Customers of alternative suppliers will see these as separate charges on their bills. Customers who do not switch will continue to have the charges included in the GCR factor on their bills. The charges cover the costs associated with gas storage, moving gas out of storage, and transportation into the distribution system. |
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If I choose an alternative supplier to purchase gas on my behalf, do I pay my utility any charges?
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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 SEMCO and SEMCO will pay your alternative supplier. |
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Will I continue to pay sales tax on my entire bill if I switch suppliers? |
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Yes. If you are a residential customer, your bill will include a 4% sales tax rate on the total bill. If you are a business customer, the rate is 6%. |
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Who do I call if I smell gas? |
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If you smell gas or have a service emergency you will still call SEMCO for help. |
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Who do I call if I have a billing dispute? |
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SEMCO 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 SEMCO Energy Gas. |
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What can I do if I can't get my problem resolved through SEMCO or the supplier? |
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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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