Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Small/Medium BusinessFind a quick answer to your question with Piedmont's list of most frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the commercial market. Rates/Cost of Gas
Getting Service/Adding Gas Load
Gas Pressure Standards
Transporting Gas
What is a sales rate?
A sales rate is a bundled service that includes all of the services required to deliver natural gas to your commercial meter. It includes the cost of gas (commodity), transmission and distribution delivery on Piedmont's system. What rates are available to a potential commercial customer ?
Most commercial customers are served by Piedmont¿s Small General Service rate. This rate is applicable to North and South Carolina customers in our service area as Rate 102 (in North Carolina) and Rate 202 (in South Carolina). It applies to customers whose anticipated average daily consumption of natural gas will not exceed 50 dekatherms (or 500 therms). For more details on this tariff, go to the Rates area of this website. What if I anticipate using more than an average of 50 dekatherms a day of gas ?
In that case, you would be eligible for the Large General Service rate for firm service. This is Rate 103 in North Carolina service area and Rate 203 in South Carolina service area. For customers and potential customers who have systems in place with alternative fuel to replace natural gas service upon Piedmont¿s need to interrupt may be eligible for the interruptible service rate. For more information about projected use of natural gas or rate eligibility, contact a Commercial Sales Representative. What is the current rate ?
Current rates for each of the rate schedules mentioned can be found on the Rates area of this website. How can I estimate the future cost of gas?
No one is able to determine the future cost of gas. Natural gas is traded on the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange) for future months. The gas market is volatile and prices can change with great frequency. back to top
How do I find out if natural gas is available at a prospective commercial location on your system?
Contact your area Piedmont Natural Gas office in the city of your prospective location and ask for a Commercial Sales Representative. For a map of the area served by Piedmont Natural Gas, click on the service area map link. I¿m a current customer and want to add a new piece of gas equipment. Can I add loads to an existing meter?
Meters supply a finite amount of gas to maintain delivery pressure. Notify the Commercial Sales Representative for your area as soon as total connected loads are determined so we can determine if the existing system will support added loads. We will need to know the numbers and gas capacity of the equipment being added to make the determination. Is there a charge to replace the meter ?
Typically, there is no charge to the customer to increase the size of the meter to handle additional gas load. Who is responsible for connecting the gas piping to the meter ?
The customer or the customer¿s contractor is responsible for furnishing and installing the gas piping on the downstream (or appliance) side of the meter. The gas piping on the downstream side is then inspected in accordance with local codes. After passing the inspection, Piedmont Natural Gas will install the gas meter and associated components. Piedmont owns all gas piping upstream of the meter. When do you install the meter for a new commercial customer ?
For newly constructed buildings, we will set a new meter when the appropriate official has inspected the gas piping and we have evidence of the inspection. How much does it cost to run a gas service line and install a meter ?
If a gas main is within close proximity of the new building, we will generally install a service line at no charge. There may be a charge for service lines that require extended distances, borings or trenching. We will evaluate the cost of extending service based on the anticipated gas load, and if necessary, negotiate with you to pay a portion of the cost. back to top
What are Piedmont's options for gas delivery pressures?
We have several standard delivery pressures for commercial customers. These are 7 inches of water column (abbreviated as 7"), 2 pounds per square inch (abbreviated as 2 psi), and 5 psi. The highest standard delivery pressure is 5 psi. Requests greater than 5 psi must be approved in advance. There are advantages to each pressure and not all may be available at your location. If you have questions about the best delivery pressure, contact a Commercial Sales Representative. back to top
What is transportation service?
Transportation service is when a customer purchases their own gas (commodity), arranges to have it delivered to Piedmont's city gate, and Piedmont delivers it to the customer's meter. Who qualifies to transport gas?
Large commercial and industrial customers are eligible for transportation service. Piedmont's tariffs detail eligibility. What is an election period?
An election period is the timeframe when a customer's transportation gas will be supplied to Piedmont's city gate, eliminating the need for Piedmont to purchase the commodity and arrange interstate deliveries. What is Piedmont OnlineTM?
Piedmont OnlineTM is an Internet application that offers information to transportation eligible customers and marketers. Included are consumption, meter readings, nominations, and the ability to review bills. back to top
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