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Deposit Information Connection Charge |
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How Do I Apply
For Service?
Just call our office
at 479-784-2000 or 800-842-5690 and tell one of our customer service representatives
that you want gas service. Our representatives will provide all the information
you need. You can also apply online to connect, disconnect or transfer service. Click Here!
What does the term Residential Service classification mean?
It basically means providing natural gas to people who
live in houses, mobile homes, duplexes and apartment houses for their personal use.
And by "people", we mean individuals or single families that have their accounts
in their own names, for example, any family dwelling that's individually metered.
The distinction gets a little more difficult when someone operates a business out
of their home, but so long as more than half of the gas service is being used for
personal, and not business needs, it's classified as residential.
How about "Small
Business" Service?
Generally, the
Commercial classification applies to customers who are engaged in small business
activities, or a profession, or in some other activity that doesn't fit squarely
in one of the other categories. Examples are retail stores, dormitories, hotels,
religious or charitable organizations, boarding and apartment houses, motels, camps
and other businesses. If a customer''s residence and business share the same gas
service, but more than half of the gas is being used for personal-and not business-needs,
the customer is classified as Residential. But the opposite also applies.
For example, a poultry producer uses his gas service to heat both his brooder houses
and his personal home, with 75 percent of the gas going to the brooder houses and
25 percent to the home. In this case, since more than half of his use is going toward
heating the brooder houses, his service is classified as Small Business.
What customers
are classified as "Medium or Large Business"?
The Medium and Large
Business classifications apply to customers whose annual consumption was, and whose
expected annual consumption is reasonably projected to be, as follows: Medium Business:
In excess of 10,000 MCF and no more than 36,000 MCF. Large Business: In excess of
36,000 MCF.
Do you require a deposit before you turn on the gas? back to top
Yes, under certain conditions. The Company may require
a deposit from an applicant for service to guarantee payment for the service.
AOG may require an amount not to exceed three (3) average billing periods from customers,
as a deposit.
If the applicant has previously left AOG's service owing a bill, and that bill is
unpaid at the time of application, the Company may require a deposit equal to twice
the maximum billing.
If AOG discovers that an applicant has used the service without authorization or
tampered with the Utility's equipment, it may charge that applicant a total deposit
of not more than 6 average bills, plus the potential damage to utility equipment.
AOG may not charge this deposit if the customer has received more than 2 years cumulative
service since the Company discovered the unauthorized use or tampering.
If AOG has proof of a misrepresentation to AOG by the applicant relevant to the
conditions under which the applicant obtained gas service, it may charge that applicant
a total deposit of not more than twice the maximum bill. AOG may not charge this
deposit if the customer has received more than 2 years cumulative service since
the Company discovered the misrepresentation.
In accordance with the United States Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C.A. § 366, AOG may
require an applicant to furnish adequate assurance of payment in the form of a deposit
or other security.
Are there times when a deposit isn't required for a Residential Customer?
Yes, there are a
few situations when it isn't necessary:
- If you've had gas service at a different address and have a good credit history
for the past 12 months.
- If you provide a letter from your previous or current utility company that attests
to your good credit history for the last twelve months
- Or, if you provide a written guarantee from an AOG customer who has excellent credit
and who will be responsible in the event you can't pay your bill, we'll waive the
cash deposit.
- Request Automatic Bank Draft as payment for service.
Do I have to pay all the deposit before you'll start gas service?
If a deposit is required, you can pay your deposit in
several different ways. Just choose the one that's easiest for you.
1. Pay the Full Amount,
when you apply for service.
2. Split the Deposit into two payments.
3. Pay the full amount on your first month’s bill.
Also, we will not turn on your service if you have any unpaid gas bills that are
past due with AOG.
Do I ever get the deposit back?
You sure do, if you're a Residential customer. Your deposit, plus interest, will
be automatically credited to your account after twelve months if:
1. You have paid all bills by the due date for the past twelve months.
2. You have not been delinquent over three months during a twelve month period,
or two consecutive months in a row.
3. You have not given AOG two (2) or more checks which were returned due to insufficient
funds for reasons other than bank error in the last twelve (12) months.
When you leave our system, your deposit and accrued interest will be applied to
any amount due on your account. Any balance due will be refunded promptly.
Does my deposit
earn any interest?
Yes. Until your deposit is refunded to you, we'll pay you interest on your money
at a rate determined annually by the Public Service Commission. The interest will
be paid to you annually as a credit to your gas bill.
I'm a Commercial
or Industrial customer, do I get my deposit back?
No. We refund only on termination of service or as required
by the Public Service Commision.
Is there a charge for turning on the gas? back to top
Yes, we refer to it as a "connection charge." After you apply and are approved for
service, we'll schedule a time between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday,
except for holidays, to come out and turn on your gas. These are our business hours,
and we make every effort to start your service as soon as possible after your application
has been approved.
If waiting for your gas to be connected would threaten your health or create a hardship
for you, you may request that we connect your service as soon as we can—including
during non-business hours.
For either type of connection, there is a non-refundable
charge. Naturally, if we're asked to connect your service during non-business hours,
the connection fee will be slightly higher than during regular hours.
The charge also applies if you are moving your service from one location to another.
What's a "Continuous Service Charge"?
If you discontinue your service and then ask for it to start again at the same location
within twelve months, you pay a "continuous service charge" which is calculated
by multiplying the monthly service charge by the months your service has been disconnected.
Aside from the other charges outlined, if your service is discontinued for non-payment,
you will pay a "reconnection charge" which is approved by the Public Service Commission.
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