The Wyoming Choice Gas selection period is under way again for natural gas customers in the Casper area, and Norm Long, a Casper business relations representative for SourceGas, said he hopes all customers will participate.

"We encourage people to make a decision that fits their needs," Long said. "Sometimes it's price, sometimes it's an option that's more secure. Everybody's different. We encourage people to contact the different suppliers and ask them about their options that they offer."

Customers began receiving selection packets this week, and can select any of a number of choices from one of six pre-qualified gas suppliers. The selection period ends April 30.

No matter what Choice Gas supplier option customers select, SourceGas will continue to provide utility distribution and billing services.

If a customer doesn't make any choice during the three-week selection period, the customer will default to his or her current supplier and rate option. However, Long advised, customers not making a selection don't have any say in what they pay for gas.

"That's why we encourage people to participate, if they want to know their price."

For more information on the Choice Gas program, contact SourceGas at 1-800-563-0012 or visit the Choice Gas Web site at www.choicegas.com.

Rate plans

Pass-On Rate [Regulated Rate]

What it is: A per-therm price based upon the company's projected cost of purchasing gas for resale. This rate is regulated by the Wyoming Public Service Commission, and can change quarterly if approved by the commission.

Who might want it: Anyone, particularly residential customers.

Why: The pass-on rate has traditionally been the most cost-effective, according to Office of Consumer Advocate research.

Fixed Rate per therm

What it is: A "locked-in" price per therm that does not change for a 12-month period.

Who might want it: Customers who worry that the market rate may rise over the next year.

Why: People who choose this option have the comfort of a constant rate per therm and don't have to worry about market fluctuations.

Market Index Rate

What it is: A per-therm price that changes each month based upon changes in market price of gas.

Who might want it: Customers who think the market price of gas may remain consistent or fall over the next year.

Why: The market rate can be lower than the fixed rate in any given month. In 2006, for example, market rate customers for Wyoming Community Gas, Seminole High Plains and Wyoming Producer Consumer Alliance received better rates than Pass-On Rate customers. It all depends on market fluctuations in a particular year.

Blended Rate

What it is: A combination of market rate and fixed rate. A portion of the gas is locked in at a fixed price, while the price for the remaining portion is based on the market price of gas.

Who might want it: Customers who don't want to pay a fixed rate, but also don't want to depend completely on market fluctuations.

Why: Blended rate customers are guaranteed a fixed rate up to a certain point, and then depend on the market. It's like taking some of the risk to reap some of the rewards.

Negotiated Commercial Rate

What it is: A rate negotiated with a gas supplier for a customer's individual, high-volume needs.

Who might want it: Customers who use a high volume of therms may be able to choose this option. Often, this rate is used for commercial clients, but residential clients who meet volume requirements may also be eligible.

Why: The gas supplier may agree to a reasonably low rate for customers who use large quantities of gas.

WinterGuard

What it is: A fixed monthly bill that includes all commodity costs, customer charges, distribution fees and associated taxes and fees.

Who might want it: Customers on fixed incomes.

Why: No matter how much gas the customer uses, he or she will pay the same amount each month. This is useful for budgeting purposes.

How to choose

Remember, confirmation codes are time-sensitive. Some are valid for only 24 hours, and once the confirmation code expires, the customer can't get the rate attached to the code.

Customers can submit supplier selections in five ways:

By phone: Locate Customer and Control numbers (located on the selection form) and call 1-800-804-0925 by midnight on May 1.

By internet: Locate Customer and Control numbers and log on to www.choicegas.com by midnight on May 1.

By mail: Fill out the form in the Choice Gas packet, sign and date it, and mail it on or before May 1 to Choice Gas Program, P.O. Box 406, Scottsbluff, NE 69363.

By supplier submission: Contact the supplier of choice and provide Customer and Control numbers by May 1.

By automatic rollover: Do nothing. Customers will retain the suppliers and pricing options they chose during the previous selection period.

No matter what option you choose, record all information provided by suppliers and all confirmation codes and verification numbers. Keep them for your records.

Participating suppliers

Wyoming Producer-Consumer Alliance: 1-877-GET-WPCA; www.wp-ca.com

Asgard Energy: 1-866-803-5193; www.asgardenergy.com

Wyoming Community Gas: 1-877-318-4051; www.wyomingcommunitygas.com

Seminole Energy Services, LLC: 1-877-807-5193; www.seminoleenergy.com

SourceGas Energy Services Company: 1-866-231-3241; www.SGES.com

SourceGas Utility - Pass on [regulated] rate: 1-800-563-0012; www.choicegas.com

Contact reporter Megan Lee at (307) 266-0616 or megan.lee@trib.com. Read Megan's DogBlog at tribtown.trib.com/MeganLee/Blog.