FAQs

• With oil price fluctuations recently, how much will I really save when converting to natural gas?  

  With oil price fluctuations recently, how much will I really save when converting to natural gas?

  Even with recent oil price fluctuations, natural gas continues to be the more affordable energy option. Most natural gas used in North America is domestically produced – so it’s not subject to the same swings and spikes seen in world oil markets – making it the more affordable and stable choice for heating your home. Use our easy Energy Calculator to see just how much you could save by making the switch.

• Shouldn’t I consider equipment efficiency and not just price over the longer term?  

  Shouldn’t I consider equipment efficiency and not just price over the longer term?

  Yes. With natural gas you benefit from both price and efficiency. Whether for the home or business, natural gas is the most efficient choice. So look beyond which energy source costs more (or less) from year to year and do consider system efficiency.

  Natural gas furnaces & boilers are up to 96% efficient. What's more, natural gas boilers maintain high efficiency ratings and offer higher combustion efficiency over time without loss of efficiency due to soot build up inside the boiler as a result of burning oil.

• How would storms such as Sandy that cut electricity to millions in the Northeast affect me as a natural gas customer?  

  How would storms such as Sandy that cut electricity to millions in the Northeast affect me as a natural gas customer?

  Unlike the electric grid which consists of wires and poles, natural gas is delivered via underground pipeline that generally is not affected by storms such as Sandy. However, most heating systems require electricity to operate fans, pumps and the distribution of heat so you may want to consider a natural gas generator.

  Further, there is no need for delivery trucks to get through blocked roads or for you to maintain oil tanks in your home.

• What else should I know about converting to natural gas?  

  What else should I know about converting to natural gas?

  Because it burns cleaner and is more efficient, natural gas is better for the environment, and natural gas efficiency programs can save energy and reduce carbon emissions even more.

  With natural gas, there is no need for a storage tank. This allows customers to free-up space in their basements, and for tanks that are underground, costly liabilities can be avoided from tank removal. Most natural gas is produced in North America so there is less dependence on foreign oil.

• If I already have a meter, why can’t I add more load?  

  If I already have a meter, why can’t I add more load?

  The presence of a meter has no bearing on the availability of natural gas at your location. Natural gas availability for your location has been allocated based on your historical usage. Due to the moratorium, no additional volumes of natural gas are available for expanding usage beyond what you are currently using. Adding load without authorization may jeopardize your gas service.

• If I already use gas for heating, why can’t I add a gas stove or dryer?  

  If I already use gas for heating, why can’t I add a gas stove or dryer?

  The pipeline serving Franklin and Hampshire Counties is operating at, or near, full capacity. As such, we cannot add any additional demand or usage on our distribution system. The natural gas needed for your current heating purposes has been allocated and is available for your continued use, regardless of the moratorium.

• I recently bought a property that has a gas service. When I called to setup my account I was told it couldn’t be re-activated. Why?  

  I recently bought a property that has a gas service. When I called to setup my account I was told it couldn’t be re-activated. Why?

  You cannot assume that you will be guaranteed a gas account just because there is a gas service line and/or a gas meter at that location. Before buying a property, you should contact Berkshire Gas at 413.445.0211 to find out if the service line can be transferred or whether your request is within the re-activation period.