Frequently Asked Questions - Colorado
Q: What is the Transportation Service?
A: Transportation service allows qualified customers to purchase gas directly from a lower cost provider and elect to have Atmos transport gas to them. OKES, on your behalf, will manage the transportation service and sell gas directly to you.
Q: How do I know if I qualify?
A: All non residential customers who use over 15000 ccf which equals 1500 dekatherms (Dth) in a one year period may qualify for this service. If your annual gas consumption is greater than 1500 Dth, you qualify.
Q: What will Atmos think about me switching sources of supply?
A: Atmos is indifferent to who supplies the natural gas itself as they make their money by transporting the gas to your business, and they will still do that.
Q: If I switch from Atmos, will I ever be able to go back?
A: Yes, after one year and with 30 days’ notice on the anniversary of the switch to third party supply.
Q: How do I establish the transportation service?
A: Transportation service with Atmos is regulated by the Colorado Corporation Commission and is initiated by completing paperwork with an Atmos representative. OKES will act as your agent.
Q: If my company chooses to purchase gas from OKES, what certainty do I have that gas deliveries will not be interrupted?
A: If for some unforeseen reason, OKES was unable to deliver gas to Atmos, you would still receive gas from Atmos’ system gas. In the event of a pipeline catastrophe, Atmos, as transporter, has a pre-determined priority for delivery to customers.
Q: How can OKES’s price be lower than what Atmos charges?
A: In addition to the cost of gas, Atmos’ bill includes charges for things such as reservation fees, capacity fees, and storage costs. This increases Atmos’ total costs while OKES is able to purchase gas supplies at current market prices.
Q: How will OKES deliver gas to my facility?
A: The physical delivery of gas will not change, with the exception that a new piece of equipment will be installed. This equipment is called an AMR or Augomated Meter Reading Equipment. In addition, the customer will be required by Atmos to have a dedicated phone line and be connected to an adequate power source. This equipment allows us to see how much gas you are using on a daily basis. With this equipment we are able to make sure that we deliver as much as you need.
Q: If I smell gas, who should I call?
A: Atmos will continue to provide service for any issues regarding the delivery of gas.
Q: What will it cost to participate in the Choice Program?
A: Atmos will charge the customer for transportation services and charge the customer for the cost of installing the new piece of equipment, the AMR device. OKES will charge the customer for the gas supplied including OKES’s marketing fee.