Start with quantities and billing days
Compare the billed gas quantity and number of days with a comparable prior period. Check whether either reading was estimated. A colder month, longer billing cycle or change in operating hours can increase consumption without a higher unit rate. Record the unit exactly as shown. Separating quantity from price helps avoid blaming a tariff change for a weather or meter-reading difference.
Identify who supplies the gas
Columbia’s CHOICE program allows eligible customers to buy gas from a certified supplier while Columbia continues delivery functions. Check whether your bill identifies a supplier, a default commodity arrangement or another service. Review the supplier agreement if one exists. A utility delivery rate case and a supplier commodity-price change are different events; a competitive offer addresses only the components included in that offer.
Compare offers on matching units and dates
Write down the quoted unit, term, start period, fixed fee and any index or basis adjustment. Use the bill’s heat content when converting volumetric units to therms. A fixed gas price does not fix consumption and may exclude delivery or balancing items. Ask whether a quote covers every location and service class. A rate published for one eligibility group is not a binding business quote.
Investigate a delivery change with its tariff
When a delivery line changes, find the current utility explanation, tariff or PUCO case reference rather than assuming a supplier can eliminate it. Check the effective date and whether it applies to the meter’s class. Preserve the old and new invoices. If an explanation remains unclear, ask Columbia for a line-by-line comparison and keep the supplier discussion focused on the commodity agreement.
A practical example
Illustrative explanation, not a customer outcome.
An illustrative 1,000 Ccf month at $0.70/Ccf has a $700 modeled commodity cost. At the same rate, 1,300 Ccf costs $910. That $210 difference comes from usage alone; delivery, fees and taxes still need their own review.
Put the review into practice
| Review step | What to record |
|---|---|
| Match units | Use the bill’s volume and heat-content basis. |
| Model seasonality | Keep monthly quantities instead of assuming flat heating use. |
| Read the product | Identify fixed components, index, basis and fees. |
| Keep safety separate | Follow the utility’s current emergency instructions. |
Questions worth asking
Does CHOICE change who repairs a gas leak?
Columbia continues delivery and emergency functions in its territory. Use the emergency instructions on your utility bill.
Does a fixed supply price fix my entire bill?
No. Consumption and excluded delivery or other charges can still change.
Continue the comparison
Sources and scope
Reviewed October 15, 2026. Follow the source’s own data period, effective dates and current terms. Examples are hypothetical unless expressly identified as a dated published result. A source is context, not a guarantee of eligibility or a product endorsement.