Fountain Inn Natural Gas (Welcome: city hall, credit card, new home)

[Mjames]

I'm in the process of getting the utilities switched on or transferred to me in my new home in Fountain Inn. I've been able to do everything by phone except for the natural gas. For that, I need to go in person and am doing that Monday morning.

A few questions:

Does Fountain Inn Natural Gas have on-line account access? I did some web searches and can't find a seperate web page for them. The only web page I found is part of the city of Fountain Inn's web page and only lists some basic information about them. Among other things, I would like to see their current rates.

I'm new to the area and was a bit surprised when I called Fountain Inn Natural Gas and they told me they required a $150 deposit to start service. That's really not much money, but I just did not expect this. Does anyone know if they really collect this deposit and, if so, how long they keep it before returning it?

Thanks and I'll ask these same questions when I go there Monday morning, but I always like to have information in advance so I know what to expect.

Mike

[WAZEAZ]

Welcome to Fountain Inn! We moved here in January of this year and love it! I have a statement and there is no web site listed. You can pay via mail, at the office in City Hall, which by the way is moving as of 8/11. The new address is 100 S Weston Street. Also you can call 864-862-0042 to set up monthly credit card payments. My husband can't remember the part about the deposit, just remembers it being different.....wish we could be more help..
The BTU factor is 1.02900 if that helps. They do charge a $5.00 facility charge for months that you don't use any gas. Our house has an electric water heater so we don't use any gas during the warm months. You can pay $15.00 to have it turned off for the summer, not sure if then there is a reconnect fee... Hope this helps you out.

[Mjames]

Thanks WAZEAZ!

I'll probably just have them charge my credit card for convenience.

I appreciate the welcome and hope you're having a great weekend!

[leggo]

They will keep the 150 for a year - then refund you 100$ onto your account. they keep the 50$ until you move. Your right about the $150 - it was a surprise and not a good one - you feel like they are keeping your money hostage - for not really much in return. But you really don't have a choice.

[Mjames]

Leggo, you are right, except for one point. They told us this morning the $100 gets credited back in 12 months. The $50 is an enrollment/account setup fee.

I guess I can understand the $100 deposit since I am new to the area, but I oppose the $50 fee in principal. I paid it anyway, no choice.

Thanks!