Understanding AGL Pass-Through Charges

To really understand AGL Base Charges, take a look at the components. Here is a breakdown of all components included in the charge:

Flat fees

The following fees are the same for every customer no matter which marketer you select:

• Customer charge: This monthly fixed fee covers administration and operations, including meter reading, billing and customer service.
• Ancillary service charge: This covers support services that ensure reliability, balancing supply and demand.
• Social responsibility fee: This charge pays for assistance programs for low-income customers.

Dedicated Design Day Capacity (DDDC) fees

The DDDC is an estimate, based on your usage history, of how much gas must be generated and delivered to your home on the coldest day of the year. This fee will be a different amount for each customer.

The utility uses the DDDC to calculate your share of costs, such as:

• Firm distribution charge: The cost for uninterrupted, guaranteed service through the AGL pipelines.
• Peaking service: The cost of the backup supply when demand is extreme.
• Environmental response costs charge: This funds environmental cleanup of past operations.
• Franchise recovery fee: This covers the fees paid to municipalities for the right to run pipelines across public spaces.

Why AGL Pass-Through Charges Vary Each Month

AGL natural gas delivery charges fluctuate. Instead of billing the same amount throughout the year, the charge amounts vary by season. You may pay more during colder months when usage is highest. This gives the utility the money to cover costs during peak demand. Even if your natural gas usage is the same in the summer and winter, you’ll likely see a higher amount billed when it is cold.

Can I Avoid AGL Pass-Through Charges?

AGL pass-through charges are mandatory fees you cannot avoid. All suppliers charge them, so switching is not a tactic for how to avoid AGL pass-through charges. You can, however, reduce what you spend on natural gas. Set your thermostat for efficient heating in winter, and complete a home energy audit to discover more ways to reduce your energy usage.

Switching marketers won’t help you avoid AGL pass-through charges, but choosing the right marketer can help you find a range of energy plans with the best competitive rate, so you can take control of your energy budget. For example, with a fixed-rate plan, you’re protected from market and seasonal spikes in energy prices.

Explore Georgia Natural Gas Options with Constellation

As a trusted natural gas marketer in Georgia, Constellation provides the highest level of customer service and a variety of plan options. Explore Constellation’s natural gas plans in Georgia for competitive rates and options that fit your needs.