Small Business FAQs
IGS Energy answers your burning questions
Who is IGS Energy?
Founded in 1989, IGS Energy is the largest independent retail supplier of natural gas in America. IGS Energy serves more than 800,000 residential, small business, and commercial and industrial customers. IGS Energy is known for its energy expertise and its simple, clear customer solutions. IGS Energy believes that energy consumers should be able to choose their energy providers. When consumers have choices, market forces motivate competing suppliers to offer a wide variety of price and service offerings that appeal to all types of consumers. IGS Energy is continuously seeking ways to better serve our customer's energy needs and are committed to providing the best possible value.
What is energy deregulation?
Natural gas deregulation legislation opened up the natural gas market and enabled it to operate on free market principles. Deregulation separates the sale of natural gas as a commodity from its distribution. The commodity is available at a competitive price and under competitive conditions but the delivery, facilitated by the utility, is a standard regulated charge. It is because of deregulation, that suppliers like IGS Energy have entered the market with competitively priced products. The same goes for the electricity market. Today, it’s likely you have a choice of several natural gas suppliers. You can check with your state’s utility regulator below for a list of certified companies. Illinois: www.icc.illinois.gov Indiana: www.in.gov/oucc Kentucky: www.psc.ky.gov Michigan: www.michigan.gov/mpsc New York: www.dps.state.ny.us Ohio: www.puco.ohio.gov Pennsylvania: www.puc.state.pa.us Virginia: www.scc.virginia.gov Maryland: www.psc.state.md.us
What is a energy marketer?
An energy marketer is a company that acquires natural gas or electricity, either from natural gas wells, well-owners or the open market, and supplies it to consumers. An energy marketer is not your local utility. Marketers do not operate pipelines which carry natural gas across regions, states and cities and into homes or businesses. Energy marketers simply purchase and supply natural gas or electricity, which is then delivered to your home or business by your local utility.
Why not choose a utility to supply energy?
You can. However, natural gas marketers are able to provide customers with a more flexible array of offerings or rate plans that may better serve customers' specific energy needs, whereas utilities are often not able to offer price options.
Why choose IGS Energy?
IGS Energy is America's #1 independent retail supplier of natural gas and the leader in the natural gas marketplace, and have an outstanding reputation as a reliable energy provider. We have never failed to honor a customer commitment we've made because we back up everything in writing. IGS Energy provides competitive offers, numerous service options, uncompromised customer care, and more than 20 years of experience in the competitive energy market.
Does IGS Energy provide pricing options where my business is located?
IGS Energy's natural gas plans cover most of Ohio, most of Michigan and parts of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New York. Our state coverage is determined by the utilities we serve. IGS Energy's electric services are currently in the greater Chicago area. Like our natural gas services, our state coverage is determined by the utilities we serve.
What are the products that IGS Energy offers to my business?
IGS Energy offers you several options of fixed-rate and variable-rate contracts for natural gas, designed to meet your unique energy needs and protect you from the volatility of the natural gas market.
What is the difference between a fixed, variable and Hybrid rate contract?
A fixed-rate plan provides you with stability and predictability. Utility rates are variable rates that can change periodically, sometimes monthly, sometimes quarterly. A fixed rate product may be higher or lower than utility rates, but, unlike utility rates, a fixed rate product will not change during the life of your contract (most often a year). You are protected against unexpected and costly price increasees and have greater control over the cost of your energy. A variable-rate plan allows you to purchase energy at market-based prices that change from month to month. With a variable rate product, you do not have a fixed term contract. While a variable rate is subject to monthly price increases or decreases, it may help you realize the lowest possible cost in the market. however, it also exposes you to possible price increases, and, unlike a fixed rate, a variable rate does not protect you against price volatility. Hybrid rate contracts, if offered, can be a blend between a fixed and variable contract. An example of this type of offering would be a variable-rate that can turn into a fixed rate if natural gas prices rise significantly. This way, you are protected from large upswings in the market, while also being able to take advantage of downswings when they happen.
Will there be changes in how natural gas or electricity is delivered to my business?
No. Your bills will continue to come from your local utility, just as they do now. The only difference will be that IGS Energy will be document as your energy supplier on your utility bill.
What happens if the natural gas service or power goes out or there is a natural gas emergency?
Just as you always have, you should call your local utility which will continue to respond to all services calls, including outages or leaks.
Will there be a difference in how my business is billed for natural gas service?
Your bills will continue to come from your local utility, just as they do now. The only difference will be that IGS Energy will be listed as your natural gas supplier on your utility bill.
When will service for my business start with IGS Energy?
Your service will begin soon after enrollment with IGS Energy is confirmed by your local utility. This usually takes about a month and coincides with the first billing cycle that your enrollment or rate change is confirmed.
What happens if I move?
If you move, your service with IGS Energy may not be transferrable. Please contact your local utility to find out what your options may be. Please contact IGS Energy customer service at 888-995-0992 to answer any additional questions.
Is there a fee for changing or cancelling my energy service to my business?
If you change your mind, there is no fee if you contact IGS Energy by phone or in writing within seven business days of your local utility notifying of your confirmation with IGS Energy, or within 30 days of enrollment with IGS Energy. Some of our pricing plans, however, do have cancellation fees. Please contact IGS Energy at 888-995-0992 so we can help you figure out the best option to fit your needs.
What happens at the end of my business' contract with IGS Energy?
Your contract automatically renews on a one-year basis at the end of your contract unless IGS Energy provides you with notice of a different term. IGS Energy will send you a renewal notice at least 45 days before the end of your contract. If you do not cancel the agreement before your contract expires, it will automatically renew. IGS Energy encourages businesses to contact customer service at 888-995-0992 upon receipt of the renewal notice to examine other IGS Energy options and determine the product that’s right for their needs at that time.