FAQs

Can I view my bill online?
Yes, you can view your bill online. Click here to register at Equitable Gas Online to view your current bill or bill history online
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Can I pay my bill online?
Equitable Gas does not offer online payment at this time. However, our website does allow you to access an online payment option through a third party, NCO on the web.
There are several other convenient ways to pay your bill. You may pay by phone, pay in person at a local payment center, or make automatic payments each month using our Direct Payment options. All of these options are described in more detail under the payment options link from this page.
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What do I do if I get a shut off notice?
If you receive a shut off notice, it is important to call us as soon as possible at 877-577-8735 (toll free). We will work with you to help avoid the shut off of your service.
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What is the difference between an actual and an estimated read?
Over 99% of our monthly readings are actual reads taken directly from your meter by one of our meter readers, either on foot or from a vehicle using an electronic device. However, there are rare instances when an actual read is not available. When this occurs, your meter reading is estimated by Equitable Gas to calculate your monthly bill for your home or business. Estimated reads are based on the amount of gas that has been used at your home or business in the past, and on recent temperature data.
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What does the bar chart on my bill represent?
The bar chart on your bill shows the gas usage at your home over the past 13 calendar months. Actual readings are shown by solid black bars, estimated readings by shaded bars and customer readings by outlined bars. If we corrected a prior reading (for example, if an estimated reading did not reflect actual usage), an asterisk "*" will appear in the month the reading was corrected.
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What is the difference between state tax and sales tax?
State taxes are included in your natural gas delivery rate and apply to all customers regardless of tax exemption status. The amount of state tax you pay each month is detailed in the "Bill Message" section of your monthly bill. State taxes include, for example, real estate taxes and state income taxes paid by Equitable Gas directly to the state. Sales tax is not included in Equitable Gas' rates and only applies to certain customers. Sales tax is charged to commercial customers and residential customers who purchase gas for use other than their own (for example, landlords who include the price of natural gas in their tenant's rent). Sales tax is detailed in the "Current Billing and Other Basic Charges" section of your monthly bill, if applicable.
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What account number do I reference when calling?
Your account can be identified in two ways. Either by using your account number or by using your customer and location number. Your account number is a 15 digit number which can be found in the upper left corner of your bill, highlighted in yellow. Your customer and location number are also shown on the top of your bill, just to the right of your account number. Your customer number is a seven digit number that is unique to you and will remain the same, even if you move to a new home served by Equitable Gas (or own several homes served by us). Your Location Number is a six digit number that is unique to your property and is permanently associated with this location.
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Why is my "budget payment" higher than the "current charges" in the summer months?
Budget payments are based on average monthly usage instead of actual monthly usage. The budget will be higher than actual usage in the summer, but lower than actual usage in the winter.
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How are budget amounts calculated?

First, we look at historical gas consumption at your home or business to estimate future monthly gas usage. Second, we multiply this estimated monthly gas usage by our current gas rates, and add the monthly service charge. The result is your estimated monthly cost of gas.

Once a year, Equitable Gas reviews your account balance. This is the amount of your gas charges less your payments. We divide this balance by 12 months and add to it (or subtract it from) your monthly budget amount for the coming year. This "account balance adjustment" is the third and final step in the calculation of your budget amount.

Your budget amount may change during the year due to quarterly changes in Equitable Gas' commodity rate, temperature fluctuations, or changes in your home's gas usage.
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How do I become a budget customer?

Just pay the budget amount shown on your bill by the due date. You can also set up budget plan for your account through our automated phone system by calling 412-395-3050 or 1-800-654-6335; or click here to e-mail your request. Please note that to qualify for the budget, your account balance must be current.

If no budget amount is shown or you have a past-due balance and would like to make payment arrangements, call us toll-free at 877-577-8735.
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How do I cancel the budget plan on my account?
Call our business office at 412-395-3050 or 800-654-6335 to cancel your budget plan.
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Can I set up or start service online?
Yes. For Residential Customers click here. For Business Customers click here.
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What is a Line Protection program?

In Pennsylvania, property owners are responsible for gas service lines that run from the curb box connection up to the gas meter. If a leak develops on this line, it is up to the homeowner to hire and pay a qualified pipeline installer/plumber to make the repairs.

Line protection program is a common name for annuity programs offered by companies that cover the repair or replacement of underground gas, water or sewer piping and other lines (such as electrical and cable) for a monthly or annual fee.
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How does Equitable Gas read my meter?
In 2005-2006, Equitable Gas invested in new technology to read your meter electronically. Using this technology, we can remotely read your meter without accessing your property. This new technology provides the capability to obtain actual reads every month and virtually eliminates the need for estimated bills. It also eliminates the need for access to customer's residence to read meters.
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How does the new electronic technology work?
A small battery-powered transmitter attached to the gas meter at your home or business transmits a signal to a specially equipped vehicle. As the vehicle drives by your home or business, the system in the vehicle sends a "wake-up" signal to the radio transmitter on the meter. The transmitter receives this signal and sends meter reading data back to the system in the vehicle. After the data is collected and stored on the equipment in the vehicle, it is then supplied to our billing system where it is matched, via a unique transmitter ID, to your account number.
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Will the new electronic technology interfere with my television or phones?
No, the radio frequency for the transmitter is very different from that needed for radios, phones, and television. In addition, the transmitter only issues a radio "message" when it is "awakened" by our specially equipped vehicles, which will be only for a few seconds once a month. You should not notice any interference caused by the electronic devices because they operate in a specific licensed frequency.
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Are there any health hazards associated with the new electronic technology?
No. the equipment is designed to operate at very low power levels. This is comparable to electromagnetic fields that already exist in the environment. All equipment has been designed to operate within state and federal standards.
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How does the new electronic technology benefit customers?
  • Eliminates the need for a meter reader to enter your property to read the meter(s) each month, with only an occasional visit for required maintenance. This increases privacy and convenience.
  • Increases the speed and accuracy of obtaining meter reads and improves billing efficiency.
  • Virtually eliminates the need to estimate your meter read in any given month. Your bills will be based on actual monthly meter reads.
  • The dial/reading on your meter will remain visible, so you can continue to verify your meter read if you desire.
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What can I do to make my home more energy efficient?
Visit this link.
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What is the charge to open an account?
A $25 account activation charge is applied to your initial gas bill.
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Why do I have to be home when the service technician comes to turn my gas on? My gas meter is outside.
Your safety is our chief concern. Before turning your gas on, our service technician thoroughly checks your gas lines and appliances to ensure that they are operating properly and that it is safe to turn on your gas supply.
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What are the advantages of a budget plan?
The budget plan spreads your gas charges evenly over 12 months. This can make it easier to manage your payments by reducing the amount due on your winter bills, when gas use normally increases.
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How many days ahead should I call to have service canceled?
Please schedule as far in advance as possible. In general, we request at least seven (7) days advance notice but will try to accommodate your timetable.
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Why is my gas bill so high?
Generally, gas bills are high when usage increases or rates increase. Please check the following before contacting us at 412-395-3050 or 800-654-6335.
  • Check to see if recent payments have been applied to your balance in the Payments section of your bill.
  • Review the bar chart on your bill to see if gas usage is in line with the amount of gas you have consumed in the past.
  • Review the average temperature on your bill to see if there has been a dramatic change compared to the previous year.
  • Has the way you use natural gas changed? Click here for a checklist of items that may cause a high bill.
  • Check the current meter reading
  • If it is an estimated reading, is it close to what your meter actually reads?
  • Consider the Commodity rate on your bill. This rate changes quarterly to reflect the price of natural gas in the marketplace. Dramatic increases or decreases in the Commodity rate could be impacting your current charges for natural gas.
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What options do I have to pay my bill?
Equitable Gas offers several convenient ways to pay your bill:
  • Pay by mail
  • Pay by phone
  • Pay in person at a local payment center
  • Make automatic payments each month using our Direct Payment option, SNAP
  • Make a one-time payment using a check or credit card using a third party, NCO on the web (subject to applicable fees)
Click here for more information on any of the above options.
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Is there any assistance available to me to help pay my bills?

Click here for information on...

  • Customer Assistance Program (CAP)
  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 
  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance – CRISIS Program
  • Dollar Energy Fund (DEF)
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When is my meter read?
Your meter is read on approximately the same day every month. The next date for your actual automated meter reading can be found in the upper left section of your gas bill under the heading "Current Gas Usage".
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What is the Gas Cost Adjustment?
Equitable Gas is required to sell our natural gas commodity without profit. It is difficult to predict the changing cost of gas and the changing usage patterns of our customers. Equitable Gas often sees a difference between the cost of gas purchased and the amount recovered from customers through the commodity rate. The gas cost adjustment is a charge that is a true up for this difference. The gas cost adjustment can be a charge or a credit, depending on recent market conditions.
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How can you over-or undercharge for gas when your rate can change every quarter?
Equitable Gas is required to sell natural gas commodity to residential customers without profit. We set our gas rate in October; however, we purchase gas at market prices every day…and that price changes just as often. We may raise or lower our rate quarterly based on the market price of gas at that time; it does not represent the day-to-day price changes we experience.
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How Do You Apply This Adjustment?

We calculate any difference between the rate charged and the prices paid and divide it by the amount of gas purchased. We then spread this difference over the price of gas sold over the next year.

  • If the rate "over collects" the price we pay, the gas cost adjustment will be a credit, or subtracted from the cost of gas.
  • If the rate "under collects" the price we pay, the adjustment will be added to the cost of gas.
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