General Frequently Asked Questions
Small Commercial Frequently Asked Questions
Large Commercial Frequently Asked Questions
General Frequently Asked Questions
Are you a part of my natural gas company?
Direct Energy is an approved supplier of natural gas in Ohio and is independent from your local utility. We arrange the supply of natural gas for our customers. The gas is then delivered to you by your existing local utility.
If I switch gas suppliers, will my reliability be affected?
By law, the utility is not allowed to provide different service levels to customers that have chosen an alternate supplier. You can rest assured that you will continue to receive the same level of natural gas delivery, emergency response and meter reading from your current utility. Your utility service provider will not change, just the supplier of your natural gas.
What do I do if my natural gas goes out?
If you smell gas, suspect a leak or have a natural gas emergency, call your local utility.
What products are available?
Our product offerings vary by local utility service areas and by the annual consumption for your service address. Please visit our home page and enter your location and then choose your monthly billing amount to see what product options are available in your service area!
Are there any costs to enroll?
There are absolutely no costs to enroll.
Small Commercial Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits to choosing Direct Energy’s fixed-rate plans?
As your natural gas supplier, Direct Energy will guarantee that your natural gas commodity price will not increase for the duration of your contract. The natural gas commodity portion of your bill represents approximately 1/3 of your total natural gas bill. Utility supply rates will generally fluctuate from month to month or every 3 months. We offer a stable rate, guaranteed not to increase, especially during winter months! This "peace of mind" offer is available through our fixed price and term contract.
If I choose Direct Energy, will my billing structure change?
In Ohio, the local utility will continue to send you a bill. That bill will include the local utility’s charges as well as Direct Energy charges. You will continue to pay your local utility and your local utility will remit payment to Direct Energy for your gas supply charges.
Is it easy to switch to Direct Energy?
Yes, becoming a Direct Energy customer is easy! Our customer service specialists would be happy to enroll you with Direct Energy. Please call our Customer Service Department at 1-866-268-9418. To expedite your enrollment process, please have your utility account number handy. You may find your utility account number on a bill or possibly on a cancelled check.
Large Commercial Frequently Asked Questions
What is transportation service?
Transportation customers are a larger class of commercial users that have the option of choosing supply from an alternate energy retailer like Direct Energy. Your local utility will continue to handle the delivery of the gas, but the supplier of your choice will handle the purchasing function.
If I choose Direct Energy, will my billing structure change?
If you are a transportation customer, then you are probably accustomed to receiving two bills, and you’ll continue to do so with Direct Energy. Your utility will bill you for transportation and delivery charges and Direct Energy will provide a bill for your natural gas costs.
What kinds of pricing options does Direct Energy offer?
Our product offerings for natural gas supply fall into two basic categories: Fixed and Indexed. A fixed price is set for the term of the contract, and in positive market positions, it offers the best option for protecting against rising energy costs. An indexed price is tied to the NYMEX natural gas markets, and varies by month. But Direct Energy allows you the opportunity to convert that price from variable to fixed, to “lock-in” for the remainder of the contract, when conditions are right for you - allowing your business to have supply security and budget protection.
What type of experience do you have in serving large customers?
Direct Energy's staff has decades of collective experience serving medium to large commercial and industrial energy customers across many states.
How dedicated is your company to this market? How do I know you'll stay?
Since 1997, Centrica's companies or their predecessors have been participating in the Ohio deregulated gas markets. In fact, Direct Energy currently serves over 225,000 residential and commercial customers in the Columbia Gas of Ohio and Dominion East Ohio Gas service territories - and we continue to grow. Direct Energy understands that cost savings and reliability are only the beginning of a customer relationship. A local presence is important to provide customers with the quality service they deserve, which is why our office is located in the Columbus area.
Is it easy to switch to Direct Energy?
Yes, becoming a Direct Energy customer is easy! Our customer service specialists would be happy to prepare a free gas-purchasing plan for your business. Simply email us or call us at 1-866-336-6483 and an account manager will collect information to develop a customized natural gas quote for your facility. We will provide the necessary documents to switch your account to Direct Energy, where you'll enjoy price control and excellent customer service.
Last Modified: Nov. 15, 2005
