Always saddled with Gas?
August 1, 2023 11:49 AM Subscribe
You are not my gas company and I know YMMV but can I just stop my gas service and stop getting a bill? Or is it more complicated than that?
I had a gas stove and no other gas appliances. I changed this to induction and immediately called and stopped my gas service, which I got a final bill, which I paid. I'm still getting a bill to "current resident" and getting notices that "i'm still using gas". Calling customer services alternatively has them saying "ignore bill" and saying "you have to have them come up say you abandoned service and have them dig up the street etc" to remove the meter/etc. Can't they just shut my gas off and stop billing me like cable or internet company?
I'd save around $240 a year on gas bills if I do this, but this seems like a huge hassle if I have to call them to disconnect (it may take weeks, I need to get a site plan to show them the house is dismantled or something). I'm wondering also if I can just ignore the new bills since they aren't in my name, but i'm the home owner, so it seems easy to 'track' me down and get it put on collections.
I understand you are not my gas company (i'm in DC, but getting anecdonatal information from others)
I had a gas stove and no other gas appliances. I changed this to induction and immediately called and stopped my gas service, which I got a final bill, which I paid. I'm still getting a bill to "current resident" and getting notices that "i'm still using gas". Calling customer services alternatively has them saying "ignore bill" and saying "you have to have them come up say you abandoned service and have them dig up the street etc" to remove the meter/etc. Can't they just shut my gas off and stop billing me like cable or internet company?
I'd save around $240 a year on gas bills if I do this, but this seems like a huge hassle if I have to call them to disconnect (it may take weeks, I need to get a site plan to show them the house is dismantled or something). I'm wondering also if I can just ignore the new bills since they aren't in my name, but i'm the home owner, so it seems easy to 'track' me down and get it put on collections.
I understand you are not my gas company (i'm in DC, but getting anecdonatal information from others)
The Washington Gas web site has a page about disconnecting your service that includes a link to a PDF you have to fill out. They also say you can call, but it seems you've already tried that. The last bullet item on that page links to another page explaining the difference between "temporary" and "permanent" service abandonment. Temporary abandonment is done near the meter; permanent abandonment happens where your service line connects to the main, and will probably require a public space permit. They both come with potential fees for a future reconnection if you or a future owner of your house choose to add one or more gas appliances.
posted by fedward at 12:19 PM on August 1, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by fedward at 12:19 PM on August 1, 2023 [1 favorite]
Also, if you find that they're giving you the runaround even after you submit the correct form, contact your councilmember's constituent services team.
posted by fedward at 12:21 PM on August 1, 2023
posted by fedward at 12:21 PM on August 1, 2023
If you really aren't using any gas (gas dryer, maybe a neighbor is also on your service) you could write down the numbers on the meter and check against the bill to see if you are actually using any gas. Maybe the bill is not for gas, but for gas piping, meter rental, or other assorted bullcrap.
If you have canceled your account, I can't see how you're on the hook for anything.
Ask the gas people next time, what's the procedure if you move? Surely, you won't owe anything if you were gone?
If there is still a problem, you could try your local public service commission, or whoever regulates the gas company.
On preview, it looks like fedward has the best answer. Good luck.
posted by Marky at 12:25 PM on August 1, 2023 [1 favorite]
If you have canceled your account, I can't see how you're on the hook for anything.
Ask the gas people next time, what's the procedure if you move? Surely, you won't owe anything if you were gone?
If there is still a problem, you could try your local public service commission, or whoever regulates the gas company.
On preview, it looks like fedward has the best answer. Good luck.
posted by Marky at 12:25 PM on August 1, 2023 [1 favorite]
Your public utility commission appears to be DCPSC. They regulate your energy provider and may be able to help.
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 6:24 PM on August 1, 2023
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 6:24 PM on August 1, 2023
Can't they just shut my gas off and stop billing me like cable or internet company?
In many cases you are charged separately for the network infrastructure, meter, etc. from the gas unit charge. As long as you have the capability to use gas, you are still using these services and may be billed for them.
cable service and internet service is not like this but in some places phone service is (there may be a line rental charge that goes to an infrastructure-only provider). Electricity is usually like this as well. A substantial part of your bill is network related and is payable even if you are not using electricity.
posted by atrazine at 11:17 PM on August 1, 2023
In many cases you are charged separately for the network infrastructure, meter, etc. from the gas unit charge. As long as you have the capability to use gas, you are still using these services and may be billed for them.
cable service and internet service is not like this but in some places phone service is (there may be a line rental charge that goes to an infrastructure-only provider). Electricity is usually like this as well. A substantial part of your bill is network related and is payable even if you are not using electricity.
posted by atrazine at 11:17 PM on August 1, 2023
Yes, you’ll want to check that you’re totally done with gas (water heater, heating, inbuilt BBQ, etc.) and then get it professionally capped off and permanently disconnected with the gas meter removed. I believe it’s a bit of a safety risk to not take that final step.
Unfortunately, while the (gas) plumbing work is likely to be affordable, energy companies are doing a bit of price gouging to do a final disconnection, unless your municipality is controlling prices. Example from Sydney and tool from Angie’s list to estimate plumbing cost. That second article mentions a need to get a permit to do it.
posted by ec2y at 4:21 AM on August 12, 2023
Unfortunately, while the (gas) plumbing work is likely to be affordable, energy companies are doing a bit of price gouging to do a final disconnection, unless your municipality is controlling prices. Example from Sydney and tool from Angie’s list to estimate plumbing cost. That second article mentions a need to get a permit to do it.
posted by ec2y at 4:21 AM on August 12, 2023
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Honestly I'd personally call the gas company and ask them to find the shut off valve ( there is one somewhere! ) because the house is going to be empty for some period of time and you don't want the gas connected until it is occupied again, and then just never follow up.
posted by AlexiaSky at 11:57 AM on August 1, 2023 [3 favorites]