After Nov.1, Atlanta Gas will not be selling

gas directly to consumers, but will deliver gas for

marketing companies that offer competitive rates

to homes and businesses. Because of the increased competition, the gas company has to separate

the cost of the gas from the cost of the delivery.

Along with the changing of the billing, the

Public Service Commission is still trying to determine

how to assess certain transitional costs consumers

must pay to convert from a Atlanta Gas's monopoly

run system to a free market system.

Despite more than 30 companies lining up to offer service at competitive rates, PSC

officials expect average customers to see an increase of

3-7 percent on their total bill. Though the increase

may be significant to many consumers, PSC

officials noted that the utility has not raised rates since 1993.

The utility is also implementing a new late

charge effective with late July bills. Through July

bill inserts, the utility notified customers last month

that a penalty of 1 percent or $10, whichever is

greater, would be applied to late bills. At the urging of

the PSC, Atlanta Gas has agreed to reduce the late charge to 1 percent or $5 and will only apply it

to delinquent balances of $15 or more.

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