What is deregulation?
Who can supply my gas other than the utility company?
How will I get my natural gas through Castle?
Why should I buy my gas through my relationship with Castle?
Who do I call if I have any problems or questions about my gas account?
Will the quality of gas I receive be at all affected?
If I switch to an ESCO, who will take care of my gas system?
Can an ESCO shut off my gas?
If I switch to an ESCO, can I decide later to return to the utility?
Can I be switched from one ESCO to another without my knowledge or approval?
Will the utility be upset if I switch to an ESCO?
If I use an ESCO, will I receive two bills?

What is deregulation?
In an effort to create competition in the natural gas markets, many states are allowing consumers to choose their own gas suppliers. Increased competition is beneficial for the consumer because it often leads to improved service and price benefits.

Who can supply my gas other than the utility company?
Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), can supply your natural gas. They are businesses registered and approved by your state that compete to supply your energy.

How will I get my natural gas through Castle?
Castle has entered into a strategic alliance with various preferred natural gas suppliers. Your primary relationship and contact are with Castle. Castle's preferred natural gas suppliers will supply and bill you for the commodity (gas).

Why should I buy my gas through my relationship with Castle?
Castle has provided energy services to our customers for more than 75 years. We have succeeded by following a "customer first" philosophy of providing integrity, quality and concern for each and every customer. Castle has carefully selected this strategic partner to maximize the offerings and service to our customers.

Who do I call if I have any problems or questions about my gas account?
Your primary relationship remains with Castle. Your Castle account executive will continue to assist you in answering all of your energy service questions and resolve any issues or problems you may encounter.

Will the quality of gas I receive be at all affected?
No. Natural gas must meet certain standards before it is allowed to enter the transportation pipelines. Once gas is introduced into the pipelines, it is co-mingled with the gas already present so that the quality of the gas you receive on behalf of the utility companies or ESCOs is indistinguishable.

If I switch to an ESCO, who will take care of my gas system?
Your utility company will continue to deliver the energy to your home or business. The utility handles meter reading and repair, gas transportation, line repair and emergency calls. You will never be asked to allow a stranger access to your premises whom you cannot identify as an employee of your utility.

Can an ESCO shut off my gas?
The control of your gas service remains with your utility company. If you lose your supplier for any reason, you will be given 15 days notice to allow you time to choose a new supplier, or by default you will return to the local utility.

If I switch to an ESCO, can I decide later to return to the utility?
Yes. If for any reason you decide that you prefer having your gas supplied by the utility, you can switch back, subject to the terms of your contract with your current gas supplier.

Can I be switched from one ESCO to another without my knowledge or approval?
No. To minimize the potential for unauthorized switching (a process known as "slamming"), ESCOs are required to agree to state rules and guidelines for obtaining, maintaining and stopping service. These provisions, copies of which are filed with the state, include a ban against unauthorized switching. ESCOs that slam must pay all costs and fees incurred by the customer and the utility arising from such a switch, as well as any costs to switch the customer back. The state may also impose additional penalties.

Will the utility be upset if I switch to an ESCO?
No. Most utilities have programs in place introducing customers to deregulation and promoting the idea of choice in their energy suppliers. They understand that a competitive marketplace should bring about enhanced services and price benefits. Visit our links page to find a link to your local utility and read about programs available within your utility company's service area.

If I use an ESCO, will I receive two bills?
While two bills may be appropriate for some customers, whenever possible your gas supplier will work with your utility company to offer you a single bill that covers all monthly consumer charges.