What is the Choice Gas Program?
The Choice Gas program is an annual program that gives Nebraska natural gas customers the opportunity to choose a natural gas supplier and a pricing option. ONEOK Energy Marketing is represented by Donna Hughes in our Hastings, Nebraska office where she works with agricultural, residential and commercial customers helping them choose the pricing option that best fits their natural gas needs.
Who can I contact for more information?
Donna Hughes
Senior Marketer
747 North Burlington, Suite 207
Hastings, Nebraska 68901
Office Phone: 402.463.4981
Cell Phone: 402.984.0401
E-mail: dhughes@oneok.com
To speak with a customer service representative call toll free 1-877-274-5710.
When is the Choice Gas Selection Period?
The Choice Gas Selection Period for 2011-2012 was April 15 through April 28, 2011. If you have additional questions, contact us at (877) 274-5710.
Where do I find my Account Number?
Our
sample selection form will show you the location of your account number.
Where do I find my Control Number?
Our
sample selection form will show you the location of your control number.
How do I select my natural gas supplier?
There are three ways to select ONEOK Energy Marketing as your natural gas supplier during the Choice Gas Selection Period. For convenience, please have the Choice Gas selection form you received in the mail handy when you contact us.
Internet
Choose ONEOK Energy Marketing as your natural gas supplier right here on our website.
Phone Call
Our toll free number 1-877-274-5710 to talk with a friendly and knowledgeable representative. Tenemos representanted que hablen español.
Mail
Check the “ONEOK Energy Marketing” box on the selection form you received in the mail and choose the pricing option you want by writing the corresponding confirmation code next to that option. To get the confirmation code, visit the Price Options page on this Web site or call our toll free number 1-877-274-5710 to talk with a knowledgeable representative. Then return your ballot in the mail prior to the Selection Period deadline. Be sure to sign your ballot or it will not be valid!
What are my pricing options?
ONEOK Energy Marketing offers a variety of pricing options, including:
Fixed Rate
A 12-month fixed gas price per dekatherm based on projected market prices. This rate is “locked in” and will not change during that particular Choice Gas Program year. Regardless of market fluctuations, your gas bill will vary only based on your actual gas usage.
Market Index Rate
A month-to-month market gas price per dekatherm that changes each month (up or down) as it tracks current Nebraska gas market price fluctuations. This price includes two components, both of which should be considered when comparing market index prices: 1) The Market Index value used; and 2) the Adder. The Index value of your price will follow the market up and down each month, while the Adder remains constant throughout the Choice Gas Program year.
Blended Rate
A combination of monthly market index and fixed prices per therm. A portion of your gas usage is locked in at a fixed price. The gas price for the remaining portion of your gas volume will follow the market up and down during the Choice Gas Program year.
If you’re unsure which price option is best for you, call our toll free number 1-877-274-5710 to speak with one of our friendly, knowledgeable representatives who can help you choose the best option for your situation.
What happens if I don’t make a choice?
If you are satisfied with your current supplier and price option, you do not have to make a selection during the Choice Gas period. You will automatically “roll over” to your current supplier and pricing option. Your final rate will be available no later than 15 days after the Selection Period has ended.
If you want to make a change in your price option, call 1-877-274-5710 to talk with one of our knowledgeable representatives who can help you make the best choice for your situation.
Can I lock in my price with ONEOK?
In past years, price comparisons have shown that our PEPL Index price came out lower than those who had a lock-in option. Market volatility and hedge costs associated with locking in a fixed price add significant costs.
What is the CIG Index?
The CIG Index reflects regional pricing on the Colorado Interstate Gas Pipeline (CIG), an interstate pipeline that runs through the Rocky Mountains. Last October, the CIG Index fell to its lowest price due to a surplus of natural gas supplies in the Rockies. However, since January 2008 a new interstate pipeline, Rockies Express Pipeline, has created a market for this surplus natural gas. This new market has made natural gas in the Rockies more valuable and has increased the CIG Index to a value comparable to the PEPL Index.
Why doesn't ONEOK offer an index price with a cap?
An option purchased to provide cap protection significantly increases your price. While it may be prudent to have a cap on a NYMEX pricing option because of higher risk, it makes better sense to choose our PEPL Index pricing option with less cost and less risk.
Why doesn't ONEOK offer a managed blended price?
As a farmer you realize that the weather has a great influence on your irrigation and grain drying needs. The cost to provide a fixed price and the option to use a little or a lot is significant. A third party such as a commodities broker is required when hedging natural gas for a group of customers, and therefore can add costs to your overall price.
Why does ONEOK recommend the PEPL Index?
We recommend the PEPL Index pricing option because it has proven to be the most consistent, lowest cost pricing option year after year. The PEPL Index plus our low transport adder has saved money for both irrigation and grain drying customers. The PEPL (Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line) is an interstate pipeline that sources natural gas from the panhandles of Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. A pipeline index reflects regional pricing based on actual gas transactions on that pipe. In comparison, the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange) represents natural gas sold at the Henry Hub in Louisiana. The NYMEX also represents the natural gas futures market which is usually higher priced and more volatile due to trading and speculation. It typically reflects gulf coast and east coast pricing.
What is the transport adder?
The transport adder consists of upstream costs including transportation charges that are added to an index price. There will always be a transport adder on both the PEPL and CIG. It is important to compare your overall price per therm. Look on the back of your monthly bills for your supplier's "Commodity Charge."
What is ONEOK doing to give back?
Over the past few years we have been looking for a way to give back to the rural areas where our customers live. We are excited to show our commitment to Nebraska by making contributions to 4-H and FFA clubs in your county. It's important for us to give back, and we chose to help support an organization that benefits kids. Every account you sign up means more money for 4-H clubs and FFA clubs in your county. Help us help 4-H and FFA. Choose ONEOK.