Can We Use Anyone Besides Buford Gas in Dacula? (Auburn: renting, insurance)

[brettk]

I'm moving into Dacula, and our house is gas heated (I don't think I've had anything but electric in the past), and got the first bill from Buford gas with a $300 deposit required, plus an $18.50 minimum fee that I guess they charge you for the privilege of using their services even if you don't use any gas. Do they have a monopoly on the area or are other services available? And who oversees them, the state Insurance commish?

[Georgia]

Originally Posted by brettk

I'm moving into Dacula, and our house is gas heated (I don't think I've had anything but electric in the past), and got the first bill from Buford gas with a $300 deposit required, plus an $18.50 minimum fee that I guess they charge you for the privilege of using their services even if you don't use any gas. Do they have a monopoly on the area or are other services available? And who oversees them, the state Insurance commish?

Nope! Buford Gas controls the area of Buford, Dacula, Auburn, etc., Yes, they require a fee but after a year you will get the money back. On the fee, if you have gas service you will use gas, rather it be in the water heater, the stove, or the furnace.
They are not a monopoly but a government, the City of Buford.
Though I do not like the fact that I cannot shop my gas I will admit of all the locations I have lived in my life, Buford Gas is the cheapest and overall service is fine.

[Georgia]

Also on another note, hope your electric service is through Jackson Electric and not Georgia Power. If it is GP, never mind the fee items, just send them your deed, money, and underwear

GP loves to have rate increases about every 24 hours.

[brettk]

I will remember that about the $300 in a year because the girl I spoke with on the phone said it was when I closed the account, but that may have just been misinformation. In the end, $300 isn't the end of the world but its just annoying when its on top of everything you pay when buying a new house but I guess it goes with the territory.

Thanks for the tip on electric service...I have Georgia Power however. Looks my ceiling fans will get some heavy usage.

[sn33zingpanda]

I just moved from Buford to Dacula. Had City of Buford Gas in both places. You would think that the $300 deposit would transfer from one account to another..? No chance. They held onto the first deposit (to pay the last bill, they will send me a check for the difference), and put a $300 charge on the first bill at my new home. At least they didn't require the deposit up front this time, because I've purchased my home instead of renting, like before.

I just don't understand why government is allowed to have monopolies.