Columbia Gas of Kentucky News Feed

Sustainability Efforts of Columbia Gas of Kentucky Highlighted

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 12:43:24 GMT

LEXINGTON, Ky. - April 23, 2010 - In an effort to provide stakeholders an in-depth look at the company's progress toward building sustainable value, NiSource Inc. has issued its first annual Sustainability Report. Columbia Gas of Kentucky's efforts contribute to overall corporate goals through specific, local customer-focused programs.

The comprehensive report outlines the NiSource companies' ongoing sustainable business approach, including how they continue to build value through customer-focused energy solutions; environmental stewardship; strong, stable communities; and engaged, aligned and safe teams.

"Columbia Gas and its parent company, NiSource Inc., are serious about establishing a legacy of sustained economic growth, social responsibility and environmental stewardship," said Columbia Gas of Kentucky President Herbert A. Miller, Jr. "Our support of organizations and initiatives focusing on low-income energy assistance, smart growth, human needs and services, education and literacy, and other issues are an important part of our history and an essential part of our future in the communities we serve."

Columbia Gas of Kentucky's sustainability contribution includes:

This month, Columbia Gas of Kentucky introduced WarmWise, a series of residential energy efficiency programs designed to help customers save energy. These programs include furnace replacements for low-income customers through the Community Action Council's Weatherization Program, home energy audits and natural gas appliance rebates.
In 2010, Columbia Gas of Kentucky joined other NiSource distribution companies in a partnership with The Nature Conservancy's Plant-a-Billion Trees program. For every customer who signed up for Direct e-Bill, NiSource contributed $10 to The Nature Conservancy - the cost of planting 10 trees - as part of the Plant-a-Billion Trees program to rebuild the Atlantic Forest.
Columbia Gas of Kentucky regularly supports organizations and events designed to improve the lives of individuals while creating stronger communities, including The Poverty Forum series conducted by the Community Action Council, The Lexington Children's Theatre Shows In Schools program, the LFUCG Police Activities League, the Black Stallion Literacy Program, the Court Appointed Special Advocates 10K Run, Women Leading Kentucky, Bluegrass Tomorrow, the Bluegrass Conservancy, the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, and many more.
Since 2008, Columbia Gas of Kentucky has been implementing an Accelerated Main Replacement Program to replace nearly 540 miles of aging pipe with new, state-of-the-art pipeline material to ensure continued safe, reliable service for its customers. Columbia was awarded a Historic Preservation Award for its work in one downtown Lexington neighborhood.
During the last 12 months, Columbia Gas of Kentucky introduced a new, more customer-focused Web site design. The site provides more self-service options, improved site navigation, and targeted tools to meet the needs of our customers. Looking ahead, social media, mobile technology and other enhancements will play key roles in our customer engagement strategy.

The report was produced using the Global Reporting Initiative Reporting Guidelines, a leading industry framework for measuring corporate sustainability initiatives and progress.

Visit the�About Us section of our Web site to learn more about Columbia Gas of Kentucky. Information about NiSource is avaliable at www.nisource.com.

Columbia Gas of Kentucky reminds customer to keep natural gas meters clear of snow and ice

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:10:09 GMT

LEXINGTON, Ky. - February 12, 2010 - While Kentucky has not received the record-breaking snowfall amounts seen in other areas this year, winter isn't over yet. With more snow predicted for much of the state this weekend, Columbia Gas of Kentucky reminds customers to keep their natural gas meters and venting free from snow and ice.

Outdoor natural gas meter and equipment are designed to withstand winter weather conditions. However, heavy or hard-packed snow and ice, icicles falling from building eaves, or water dripping from a roof and freezing on your natural gas meter venting, could present a condition that temporarily stops the flow of natural gas or create a potential safety hazard.

To help avoid these types of situations, customers are urged to follow some basic tips:
. Keep your natural gas meter clear of snow and ice
. Make sure your natural gas meter is visible at all times and accessible for maintenance and emergency responders, including Columbia Gas of Kentucky service personnel, meter readers and local emergency responders.
. Keep natural gas vents unobstructed and free of debris. Note: Some direct vent and high efficiency appliances have side wall vents and air intakes that could become obstructed during heavy snow fall.
. NEVER kick or hit your natural gas meter or its piping with a hammer to break away built-up snow or ice. Remove the snow or ice with your hands.
. If you smell the odor of natural gas inside, leave immediately and call Columbia Gas of Kentucky at 800-432-9515 from a nearby safe location. Remain nearby until a Columbia Gas representative arrives or leave a note indicating where you can be reached. Remember not to use matches, light switches, telephones, or other electronic or motorized appliances.
. If you smell natural gas outside of your home or business, leave the area and call 911 or Columbia Gas of Kentucky at 800-432-9515.
. Do not dig around a natural gas meter without first calling 811 to have your underground utilities located.

New company to read Columbia Gas meters

Tue, 26 May 2009 10:17:57 GMT

LEXINGTON, Ky. - May 26, 2009 - Columbia Gas of Kentucky today announced that it will begin working with a new meter reading company in some of its service areas beginning later this week. Bermex Inc., headquartered in Southfield, Michigan will begin reading Columbia's meters in Lexington, Versailles, Georgetown, Maysville, Winchester, Irvine and their surrounding communities on May 29. Bermex has provided meter reading services for Columbia Gas in the Ashland area since 2005.

Bermex has extensive meter reading experience in some other Columbia Gas operating areas, including Ohio where the company reads over 700,000 meters each month. "We are pleased with the service Bermex has provided us in other areas and look forward to working with them in these locations as well," said Dave Mueller, Columbia Gas of Kentucky operations center manager.

Bermex personnel wear a grey uniform shirt displaying the company's logo and grey pants. Meter readers will carry a photo identification card reading "Bermex Meter Reader - Representing Columbia Gas of Kentucky." Although meter readers will utilize their personal vehicles, each vehicle will bear a decal with the same identifying words as appears on their identification cards. Customers wishing to verify the identity of anyone identifying themselves as a Columbia Gas employee or contractor may call 800-432-9345 to do so.

About Columbia Gas of Kentucky

Columbia Gas of Kentucky, headquartered in Lexington, is one of the 9 energy distribution companies of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI), a Fortune 500 company engaged in natural gas transmission, storage and distribution, as well as electric generation, transmission and distribution. Columbia Gas of Kentucky serves approximately 140,000 customers in 31 Kentucky counties. NiSource operating companies deliver energy to 3.8 million customers located within the high-demand energy corridor stretching from the Gulf Coast through the Midwest to New England. More information about Columbia Gas of Kentucky is available at www.columbiagasky.com. More information about NiSource and its other subsidiaries is available at www.nisource.com.

Columbia Gas of Kentucky urges customers to enroll in Budget Payment Plan

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:41:00 GMT

LEXINGTON, Ky. - July 29, 2008 - It's hard to think about winter on a hot summer day, but Columbia Gas of Kentucky says NOW is the time for customers to take an important step toward managing their winter heating bills. The company today urged its customers to sign up for its Budget Payment Plan during the annual August enrollment period.

The plan spreads the higher cost of winter heating more evenly throughout the year by allowing customers to pay the same amount every month. An individual's budget payment amount is determined by the history of natural gas usage at the customer's service address, 30-year normal temperatures, and the current and projected cost of natural gas.

While company officials can predict exactly how high prices might be this winter, if current commodity price trends continue, that will mean higher bills this winter. Although gas distribution companies like Columbia Gas of Kentucky do not control or profit from commodity prices, and by law pass them along dollar-for-dollar, there are ways the company can help you manage your bills and save money, starting with the Budget Payment Plan.

To enroll in the Budget Payment Plan, customers need only pay the budget amount shown on their August bill. Customers can enroll in the budget plan at any time, however, by calling Columbia's Customer Contact Center at 800-432-9345, Monday through Friday, 8am - 5pm. But waiting too long can result in higher budget payments, as there will be fewer months left in the "budget year" over which to spread the cost of winter heating.

Columbia Gas reviews budget accounts in March to determine the impact of unexpected weather conditions and swings in the market price of natural gas. During that review, the company may adjust budget payment amounts, if necessary, to keep them on track with actual account balances.

"The Budget Payment Plan allows customers predictability in their natural gas bills and greatly reduces the impact of large usage and price spikes that can occur during the heating season," said Linda Siddons, head of Columbia's customer billing and payment operations. "Customers' budget amounts are based on their usage, and they never pay for more than they actually use. The program is a win for customers."

More information about the Budget Payment Plan is available under Billing Options from the Manage Your Home Account link on Columbia's web site at www.columbiagasky.com.

Columbia Gas of Kentucky also encourages customers to use energy wisely, both by making sure their homes are ready for winter and by making smart choices in their own energy consumption. For example:

Install a programmable thermostat
Consider adding additional insulation
Seal air leaks around windows and doors
If natural gas appliances are nearing the end of their useful life, purchase high-efficiency appliances
Keep fireplace damper closed when fireplace is not in use
Wash clothes in cold water
Keep your thermostat set at as low a temperature as is comfortable

Columbia Gas of Kentucky, headquartered in Lexington, is one of the 10 energy distribution companies of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI). Columbia Gas of Kentucky serves approximately 140,000 customers in 31 Kentucky counties. NiSource distribution companies serve 3.8 million gas and electric customers primarily in nine states.

Columbia Gas files for new rates

Fri, 01 May 2009 16:00:00 GMT

LEXINGTON, Ky. - May 1, 2009 - Columbia Gas of Kentucky today filed a request with the Kentucky Public Service Commission to change its base delivery rates. The Company's proposal includes benefits to customers, including continuation of its infrastructure improvement program and the implementation of an energy efficiency program.

Columbia also filed its quarterly Gas Cost Adjustment reflecting a 21.89% decrease in the cost of the gas commodity from $10.1224 to $7.9067 per Mcf (thousand cubic feet). The commodity cost - or the cost of the natural gas itself on which the company does not earn a profit - accounts for approximately 70 percent of an average residential customer's monthly bill. If approved, the new price of natural gas would go into effect in June.

Last year, Columbia began an infrastructure improvement program to replace aging gas lines and enhance the overall safety and reliability of its gas distribution system over a 30-year period. Ultimately, Columbia expects to replace approximately 525 miles of pipe and associated service lines throughout its service area in Central and Eastern Kentucky. Through its current proposal, Columbia is seeking recovery for the almost $11 million invested in 2008 in this infrastructure as well as a mechanism to recover future investments in the program.

Columbia is also seeking to develop a residential energy efficiency program to offer customers help in reducing their gas usage and lower the gas cost portion of their bills.

"Just like other industries, our nation's energy delivery system is experiencing many challenges today," said Herbert A. Miller, Jr., president of Columbia Gas of Kentucky. "While we continually work to provide our customers with safe, reliable delivery of clean-burning natural gas and excellent customer service, it is important that we encourage the responsible use and conservation of our nation's energy supplies. This type of energy efficiency program is an important step in that effort."

To fund these programs and to generate revenue needed to maintain and operate its over 2,500-mile pipeline system, Columbia has requested an overall increase in revenues of approximately $11.566 million, or 7.03%. The requested rates would mean an increase in the average residential customer monthly bill of approximately $6.73 and would be effective only after the review and decision of the Kentucky Public Service Commission. Columbia is also proposing a two-year shift away from volumetric delivery rates to a flat monthly fee. Delivery rates account for only approximately 30 percent of a customer's monthly bill.

Columbia Gas of Kentucky, headquartered in Lexington, is one of the nine energy distribution companies of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI), a Fortune 500 company engaged in natural gas transmission, storage and distribution, as well as electric generation, transmission and distribution. Columbia Gas of Kentucky serves approximately 140,000 customers in 31 Kentucky counties. NiSource operating companies deliver energy to 3.8 million customers located within the high-demand energy corridor stretching from the Gulf Coast through the Midwest to New England. More information about Columbia Gas of Kentucky is available at www.columbiagasky.com. More information about NiSource and its other subsidiaries is available at www.nisource.com.

NiSource Charitable Foundation Supporting Those In Need: Haitian Relief Effort

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:58:20 GMT

The NiSource Charitable Foundation was established with a mission to help create strong and sustainable communities where NiSource employees and customers live and work. In 2010, through the NiSource Supporting Those in Need campaign, employees and the NiSource Charitable Foundation are expected to contribute over $3.5 million to local organizations providing food, clothing, shelter and other basic needs to individuals and families.

Touched by the great need caused by the recent earthquake in Haiti, as part of the Supporting Those in Need campaign, the NiSource Charitable Foundation contributed $50,000 to the American Red Cross' Haiti relief effort to support the immediate need in Haiti. The American Red Cross is sending money, supplies, and staff to Haiti to support relief efforts following the catastrophic earthquake affecting millions across the country.

We encourage our employees, customers and community partners to join us in continuing to build strong, sustainable communities. Specifically, individuals can support the Haitian relief effort by calling on a social organization of their choice or making a donation to the Red Cross International Response Fund at www.redcross.org, by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767), or via text message. Texting "Haiti" to 90999 will send a $10 donation to the Red Cross.

Thank you for all of your efforts "Supporting Those in Need." To learn more about the NiSource Charitable Foundation, go to http://www.nisource.com/commitment_charitable.asp.

December natural gas prices for Columbia Gas of Kentucky customers lowest in over 10 years

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:24:34 GMT

Winter heating bills won't pack the same punch they have in recent years as December natural gas prices for Columbia Gas of Kentucky customers are the lowest since 1998.

Columbia Gas of Kentucky has received approval from the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) for its most recent Gas Cost Adjustment (GCA). Columbia Gas of Kentucky's gas supply cost is now $4.3688 per Mcf (1,000 cubic feet), a slight increase from the November price of $3.6835 per Mcf, but a 67 percent decrease from December 2008 when prices were at near record-high levels of $13.2687. This price will remain in effect until the next scheduled Gas Cost Adjustment in March 2010.

"It's not unusual to see natural gas prices rise slightly during the winter heating season as the demand for home heating increases," said Columbia Gas of Kentucky President Herbert A. Miller, Jr. "These lower market prices are a much needed relief to struggling consumers this winter."

Columbia Gas of Kentucky typically adjusts its prices quarterly to reflect current market conditions. Natural gas distribution companies are not permitted to earn a profit on their gas commodity costs and Columbia Gas of Kentucky passes the cost along to customers without markup.

A customer's monthly bill is comprised of two primary components: the gas supply cost and delivery costs. The delivery charges cover the cost of delivering the gas to the customer's home or business through the company's pipeline infrastructure, as well as line inspection, repair, 24-hour emergency service, etc. The gas supply cost includes the commodity cost, interstate pipeline charges and storage costs. The gas supply cost charges typically account for approximately 60 percent of a customer's monthly bill.

Columbia encourages customers to enroll in the Budget Payment Plan. The Budget Payment Plan spreads winter heating costs throughout the year and allows customers to pay the same amount every month. To enroll in the Budget Payment Plan, customers should call 800-432-9345 between 8am and 5pm, Monday through Friday.

Columbia Gas officials also encourage consumers to weatherize their home to help save energy. Energy saving tips are available at our web site at�www.columbiagasky.com or at www.energy.ky.gov/dre3/tips/.

Weatherization assistance for low-income families is available in Kentucky. For more information about weatherization, visit�http://energy.ky.gov/dre3/tips/assistance.htm or contact your local community action agency.

Direct e-Bill saves paper and the environment

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:58:39 GMT

Go paperless and reduce your carbon footprint! Stop receiving your Columbia Gas bills in the mail and view them online at our Web site instead -- it's easy, it's green and it's secure.

You benefit

No separate User ID and Password to remember -- Log in just once to our Web site to view and pay your bill!

Save time -- No more waiting for your bill to arrive in the mail. We'll send you an e-mail notification with a link to our Web site when your bill is ready to view the same day it's rendered.

Convenience -- Check out other information about your account or your natural gas service while you're on our Web site.

Keep electronic records -- Stop sorting through piles of paper bills. Build a history of your bills and payments online.

Secure billing -- Did you know that paper bills can pass through the hands of as many as 10 people? The majority of identity theft starts with someone seeing personal information on a paper check, billing statement or bank account statement. Direct e-Bill limits your risk of identity theft by reducing the flow of personal information from unsecured mailboxes, where paper mail can be a target for theft.

Choose your preferred method of payment -- Although it's easiest to pay your bill online while you're logged in to your account or through our ZipCheck automatic payment service, you can pay by any available method you choose.
It's free! No premiums, no enrollment charge, no access fees -- no hassle!

The environment benefits

Helping the environment is as simple as opening your bill. According to a recent study by the Pay It Green Alliance, the average household receives approximately 19 bills and statements and makes approximately 7 paper payments per month. Collectively, the production and transportation of those paper bills, statements and payments consume 755 million pounds of paper, 9 million trees and 512 million gallons of gasoline.

You can calculate your individual financial paper footprint at the Alliance's interactive Web site, www.payitgreen.org.

For every 38,500 paperless bills Columbia Gas provides, the environment saves:

1 ton of paper
16,450 gallons of water
1,941 pounds of solid waste
60 pounds of air emissions
5,058 pounds of greenhouse gases
How to enroll in Direct e-Bill

Enrollment in Direct e-Bill is easy -- and immediate. Just log in to your account and follow the easy, three-step process to request Direct e-Bill and confirm your e-mail address. As long as you sign up by the day before your billing date, you'll receive an e-mail notification when your next bill is available to view on our Web site. The e-mail will include a link to our Web site, as well as links to important information about your account, natural gas safety tips, how to use energy wisely, and our quarterly customer newsletter. Since your first notification will confirm that your e-mail address is valid, you'll also receive just one more paper bill in the mail from Columbia Gas that month. Be sure to update your account profile if your e-mail address should change to make sure we send notification to your current address without delay.

Note: If you're currently enrolled in CheckFree e-Bill, you'll need to cancel that option before you can enroll in Direct e-Bill. Visit the Checkfree Web site to submit your cancellation request online. CheckFree normally processes cancellations by the next business day, not including weekends or holidays. You can check the status of your enrollment on the Account Summary screen on this site before signing up for Direct e-Bill.

How to cancel Direct e-Bill

Of course, if you want to change back to paper bills, just log in to your account and go through the quick and easy steps to cancel Direct e-Bill.

Lower bills for Columbia Gas of Kentucky customers

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 09:01:00 GMT

LEXINGTON, Ky. - March 2, 2009 - Columbia Gas of Kentucky has received approval from the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) for its most recent Gas Cost Adjustment (GCA). Effective today, Columbia Gas of Kentucky's gas supply cost will decrease 24 percent to $10.1224 per Mcf (1,000 cubic feet).

Columbia Gas of Kentucky adjusts its prices quarterly to reflect current market conditions and this adjustment reflects the lower cost of natural gas that Columbia purchases for its customers. With this Gas Cost Adjustment, a Columbia residential customer using an average of 6 Mcf of natural gas per month would see their monthly bill decrease from $100.14 to $81.26.

A customer's monthly bill is comprised of two primary components: the gas supply cost and delivery costs. The delivery charges cover the cost of delivering the gas to the customer's home or business through the company's pipeline infrastructure, as well as line inspection, repair, 24-hour emergency service, etc. The gas supply cost includes the commodity cost, interstate pipeline charges and storage costs. The gas supply cost charges account for approximately three-fourths of a customer's monthly bill.

Natural gas distribution companies are not permitted to earn a profit on their gas commodity costs and Columbia Gas of Kentucky passes the cost along to customers without markup.

"This cost reduction is certainly good news for our customers," said Herbert A. Miller, Jr., president of Columbia Gas of Kentucky. "But we realize that many families are facing difficulties and we encourage anyone needing help to reach out to the financial assistance resources available."

Customers unable to pay their natural gas bills should contact Columbia Gas at 800-432-9345, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., to make payment arrangements. Those in need of financial or weatherization assistance should contact the Community Action Council (serving Fayette, Bourbon, Harrison and Nicholas counties) at 859-233-4600 or the community action agency serving their community.�

About Columbia Gas of Kentucky
Columbia Gas of Kentucky, headquartered in Lexington, is one of the nine energy distribution companies of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI). Columbia Gas of Kentucky serves more than 140,000 customers in 31 Kentucky counties. NiSource distribution companies serve 3.8 million gas and electric customers primarily in nine states. More information about Columbia Gas of Kentucky is available at www.columbiagasky.com.