Natural gas terminology can be tricky – Use this natural gas glossary as your guide to navigating your natural gas bill.
Energy Deregulation: Policy enacted in California that enables customers to choose their own natural gas and/or electricity suppliers. Energy deregulation is designed to increase competition among suppliers to drive down prices.
Monthly Variable Rate: Rate type that changes each month based on various factors, usually including weather, supply, and demand. Variable Rates generally have the least restrictions on changing suppliers and can offer the deepest discounts.
Fixed Rate: Rate type that remains steady for a set period of time, usually for six months to one year. Fixed Rates offer the customer the most rate stability but are often accompanied by restrictions such as early termination fees.
Capped Rate: Rate type that changes like a variable rate but with the added security of a “Cap” or maximum for the rate plan. A Capped Rate does not exceed the established cap for the duration of the plan.
Core Transport Agent (CTA): Natural Gas Supplier authorized by the state of California to supply natural gas to consumers as part of a Core Gas Aggregation Service.
CCF: Unit of measure for natural gas. 1 CCF = 100 cubic feet
MCF: Unit of measure for natural gas. 1 MCF = 1,000 cubic feet
Therm: Unit of measure for natural gas. 1 therm = 1 Ccf
Budget Billing: Payment program from the Utility that estimates monthly billing based on the previous year’s total amount spent.