General Information
SAFETY
Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can kill you. When your intake of carbon monoxide is too much, your body replaces the oxygen in your red blood cells with carbon monoxide. This will prevent oxygen from reaching tissues and organs.
Warning Signs:
- Air can become stuffy or stale
- Moisture buildup on walls and windows
Symptoms:
- Headaches & Dizziness
- Weakness
- Shortness of Breath
- Watering & Burning Eyes
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
What to Do:
- Go outside for fresh air
- For any signs of illness seek medical help (call 911)
- Call your natural gas provider 403-784-3343 or toll free at 1-877-784-7880.
MAKE A PAYMENT
There are several ways to make a payment on your account. Please see below in FAQ’s or call us to discuss your options.
METER READINGS
Chain Lakes Gas uses a “Drive-By” system for reading our gas meters, and is set to read all meters on the 1st of each month.
FAQ’S
Why is Chain Lakes Gas Co-op a Co-op?
Chain Lakes Gas Co-op is membership owned that provides natural gas service to its members. Gas Co-op’s were created all throughout the province where private utility companies decided there was little to no profit in serving the rural population. The Alberta government passed the Rural Gas Act in 1975, where government grants were created to ensure rural areas installation of a gas distribution system, at lowered costs to provide natural gas to rural customers.
How do I sign up for Natural Gas service?
- Payment of service is required at the time of application
- A contract with Chain Lakes Gas will need to be signed by whoever is on the land title at the time
- A Utility Right of Way will be required to be signed at the time if there are no Chain Lakes Gas pipelines on the said location
- A meeting be set up to determine the location of the meter and routing of the gas line
- Before a meter can be connected to a “Gas Permit” must be provided to our office. Your plumber will provide you with the gas permit.
What are the Charges on my Monthly Bill for?
- The first is the cost of gas. This is the total cost that Gas Alberta charges to purchase your natural gas on the open market. It is commonly called the wholesale rate to the Co-op.
- The second is the distribution fees. These fees are the fees the Co-op charges to distribute the natural gas through its pipeline system. It includes all the operation, maintenance, administration, unaccounted for gas loss and payments to the capital reserve fund. These fees are typically set annually by the Board of Directors after the yearly operational budget is passed.
- The last charge is the monthly fixed charge. This charge is a monthly fee that is charged to all customers. It is a revenue-generating fee to ensure the Co-op has a fixed amount of income each month to ensure all members pay a fair portion of the costs of operating the Co-op. This fee is set annually by the Board of Directors.
What happens if my gas gets shut off due to non payment?
To get your gas turned back on all accrued fees must be paid in full.
This includes non-payment door hanger deliveries, outstanding gas charges, penalty charges, and a disconnect/reconnect fee.
What are the options to pay my monthly gas bill?
- Online Banking
- At your bank
- Monthly pre-authorized credit card payments
- Monthly pre-authorized bank account withdrawals
- Phone in credit card
- In-office credit and debit card payments
- Cheque or cash
Please allow a minimum of 3-5 business days for payments made online or at your bank to be received in our office to avoid late charges.
What if I miss a payment?
If you miss a payment, there will be a yellow reminder letter sent out to any account with an outstanding amount after the due date.
If you have unusual circumstances regarding your situation please give us a call and let us know what is going on. We are always willing to work with our customers toward a solution.
What if I have a renter on my property?
Effective July 2014 Chain Lakes Gas no longer deals with renters. All accounts will stay in the landowner’s name and said the owner is ultimately responsible for the bill regardless of the rental agreement between the landlord and renter. Chain Lakes Gas can add a C/O for the renter on the bill, but only e-billing is available to a renter and the printed hard copy goes to the owner. We do accept payment for the gas account from either party. All renter accounts established before July 2014 will stay in effect until that particular renter terminates the account. At that time, the new policy will be in effect.
What information do you require for property ownership transfers?
For the seller of the property:
we need the effective disconnect date, address for the last billing and passing onto the new owner that they have to contact Chain Lakes Gas before the bill can be taken out of the seller’s name.
For the purchaser of the property:
we need current contact information and a contract signed before the gas can be supplied to the property.
How do I become a Director?
Chain Lakes Gas Co-op has its annual meeting on the first Wednesday of March each year. Nominations are accepted prior to the meetings. Director terms run for a 3-year period. Please call our office if you would like more information.
What is the Federal fuel charge on my bill?
The fuel charge, also known as a “carbon tax” is intended to tax those who use fossil fuels. This is implemented by the federal government and the Gas Co-op’s are forced to implement the program on behalf of the federal government.
G.S.T is also charged over and above the federal fuel charge. The reasoning on that is the government considers it a “levy” and therefore makes it mandatory to collect the G.S.T. on the amount charges.
What if I have no gas in my building?
- Check all other appliances in the building to see if they have gas.
- If the other appliances have gas it is more than likely an appliance problem.
- NO GAS to the other gas appliances, check your personal regulator on the outside of the building.
- If your regulator looks like this picture, click on the link to see the video on how to reset the safety pin. If you still do not have gas after your attempt to reset the regulator safety pin please call our office for assistance.
- If your regulator looks like this picture, please call our office for assistance.
CONTACT US
