Is
there a deposit required for gas service?
New-service applicants or previous customers who are
applying for service again must pay a $200.00 deposit in addition
to the connection fees, unless they grant us permission to initiate
a credit score evaluation at the point of application for service.
In order to initiate a credit scoring evaluation, it will be
necessary for the applicant to give us their valid Social Security
Number. Based on a satisfactory credit score from ONLINE UTILITY
EXCHANGE, new-service applicants or previous customers who pose no
credit risk will not be charged a deposit. If an existing Fort Hill
customer is moving into another location and requests gas service
there, no deposit or connection fee will be
required.
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Can the extra footage charges for the service line to
my home that is greater than 175 feet, or appliance purchases be
added to my monthly bill?
No, extra footage charges are due prior ro
installation, and all appliance purchases are payment upon receipt,
however, we do accept credit cards for all purchases including
extra footage and your monthly gas bill.
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Where can I purchase natural gas appliances?
Fort Hill now sells and installs water heaters, grills, logs, space heaters, and
outside lights. We also sell and install gas dryers, washing
machines and gas ranges. There also are other appliance stores in
the area that sell and install these appliances.
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How deep do we bury natural gas lines for residential
service?
We bury the lines approximately 18 inches deep.
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Who do I call to have my gas line and other
underground utilities located?
You need to call Palmetto Utility Protection Service (PUPS), at
least 72 hours prior to any excavation. The number is
1-888-721-7877. This service is provided free of charge.
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Why am I required to be present when my gas is turned
on?
We require this for the safety of our customers. Some
appliances may be on or need a pilot lighted.
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What is the levelized payment plan?
The levelized payment
plan is a program that
averages your consumption for the previous 12 months and calculates
your current bill based on that average. This levelizes your
monthly payments throughout the year and reduces the higher bills
during the winter months.
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What is the bank draft payment plan and why should I
enroll?
The bank draft payment plan allows us to
automatically deduct your monthly gas bill from your checking or
savings account. It will save you time, checks, and postage. It's
convenient and free.
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Why
can't I choose my due date?
Your account is part of a
large meter route that is read approximately the same time each
month. When the route is billed, the due date is automatically
assigned. The due date is 15 days from the billing date.
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I
think I smell gas in my house. What should I do?
Natural Gas is colorless and odorless. A distinctive
odor resembling rotten eggs is added so that you
can smell the gas immediately should a leak occur. If you think you
smell gas, please call your nearest Fort Hill office immediately.
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What are the advantages of using natural gas as
opposed to electricity?
Natural gas heat is warmer than a heat pump, and also
many natural gas appliances will operate during a power outage such
as fireplace logs, most water heaters and gas cooktops.
Interruptions in natural gas service are almost nonexistent and gas
is significantly less expensive to use than electricity and
practically all other forms of energy. Call our office nearest you for more information.
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Are there any incentive programs for adding gas
appliances or converting my appliances to natural gas?
We offer a cash rebate of $150.00 for switching to a natural gas
water heater from electricity, $125.00 on the installation of a
natural gas light and $75.00 for replacing your electric dryer to a
gas dryer. We also offer a residential volume user rate (RVUR), which is a
savings of 6% on your gas rate, if you have certain specific
gas
appliances. Please call our office
too see if you qualify.
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When I am on vacation, should I turn my water heater
off?
It is not necessary to turn your water heater off.
Many water heaters have a vacation setting on the thermostat or if
you will be gone for an extended period of time, you can set the
control on the pilot position and the water heater will not operate
until you set it back to the on position.
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Whom do I contact to have a furnace installed?
You may look in the "Choosing Appliances" tab on our web site to find
the list of bonded dealers, or we will provide you with the list at
any of our office locations.
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What is the time frame on installing new service
lines?
It is generally 4 to 8 weeks depending on weather and scheduled
work. All applicants with new construction should apply for service when the building permit is
applied for to prevent delays. In fairness to everyone desiring a
gas service line, we must necessarily process all applications for
service in chronological order of receipt.
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There is
a yellow wire wrapped around the gas line at the meter, and it is
not connected. What is this?
This is a tracer wire that
enables us to locate route of the service line from the meter back
to the gas main. Please do not tamper with this wire or attach it
to anything.
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When I pay the $200.00 gas service installation fee,
what other charges will I have?
As long as the service line is no longer than 175 feet,
and the required appliances are installed, there will be no other
fees associated with the gas service line installation. Other fees
may apply for customers who are casual users only. Please call our
office nearest you for further explanation. It is the customer's
responsibility to have internal house piping installed from the gas
meter to each appliance. Customers also should purchase their
appliances from a reputable dealer and have them
installed according to gas code. Fort Hill sells and installs certain appliances and can
also install gas piping for customers. Please click on the
"Choosing Appliances" tab on our web page for
more information and a listing of other insured dealers.
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My
residential area has been approved for a gas main extension. When
will the line be installed?
This is determined by the
engineering department and will be scheduled as soon as possible.
Do not remove your present system until you receive a letter from
the secretary informing you that gas is on the line and ready for
operation. Even short gas main extensions take significantly more
engineering and permitting than service lines and therefore,
several months generally are required for this process before a
main can be constructed.
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Will you inspect my furnace prior to the winter
heating season?
Yes, just call our office nearest you to schedule the inspection.
Be sure to call early before cool weather arrives or there may be a
delay. There will be a $50.00 service call fee for this
service.
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How long
will it take for Fort Hill to turn my gas on once I make the
request and pay the connection fee?
If you already have a gas
service line to your house, we can generally turn your gas on the
same day you request it, however, when cool weather arrives and
everyone is calling at the same time, you may experience a delay of
several days, so call early to prevent this from happening.
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How do I know if gas is available at my home?
Call your nearest office and we will inform you as to
the availability of natural gas in your area.
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