Regulatory Overview
SMNG is a regulated local distribution company (LDC) that purchases natural gas on behalf of our customers in an open and competitively bid-free market, transports the gas from the producing regions of the U.S. and redelivers it to our customers. However, SMNG does not profit from the purchase and resale of natural gas itself. The cost of natural gas is treated as a "pass-through" expense – in other words, our customers pay exactly what SMNG pays and not a penny more. SMNG's profit is derived solely from the transport and delivery of natural gas from the supply regions to customers' meters. SMNG's transportation and distribution rates and all of its operations are regulated and approved by the Missouri Public Service Commission (www.psc.state.mo.us). Additionally, all of SMNG's construction and installation procedures as well as all of our facilities are regulated by and operated in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation requirements and specifications.
What to do if you smell gas
Since natural gas is odorless and colorless, an odorant that smells like rotten eggs has been added to the supply system to help people detect leaks by scent.
If the odor is faint:
- Conduct a short search.
- If you cannot find the source of the smell, call SMNG at 1-800-909-7642. We'll send out a technician immediately.
If the odor is strong or you hear a steady hissing sound:
- Quickly get everyone out of the house, leaving the doors and windows open.
- Do not use any object or appliance that could cause a spark — light switch, oven, phone, garage door opener, car ignition, etc.
- Call SMNG at 1-800-909-7642 from a neighbor's house. Stay outside your home until an SMNG technician arrives and says it is safe to go back in.
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Energy-Saving Tips
At SMNG, we encourage our customers to save energy whenever possible. It's good for the environment, it's good for the pocketbook and it's good for Southern Missouri. Here are some helpful energy-saving tips:
1. Get a pre-season furnace checkup.
Furnaces that do not operate correctly waste energy and money. Make sure yours is working at peak efficiency by getting a pre-season furnace checkup. Call 1-800-909-7642 to schedule one.
2. Turn down your thermostat.
Health permitting, turn down your thermostat to 68 degrees when you are home, and down to 58 degrees while you sleep or if you will be away from home for an extended period. For every degree lower you set your thermostat, you'll save about 5 percent on heating costs.
3. Replace your furnace filters once a month.
Dirty filters reduce airflow, waste energy and make your furnace work harder.
4. Reduce your hot water temperature.
Set your water heater to the "normal" setting (120 degrees), unless the owner's manual of your dishwasher requires a higher temperature. This could save you 7 percent to 10 percent on heating bills.
5. Caulk around leaks.
Check your home to see if cold air is leaking in around windows and doors or pipes and conduits that go through the wall, ceiling or floor. Caulk works best to seal these gaps.
6. Replace your old water heater and furnace.
If your water heater and furnace are between 13-15 years old, you may want to think about replacing them with new, energy-efficient units. For advice on brands to consider, call SMNG at 1-800-909-7642.
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Community Involvement
SMNG Adopts a Highway
Southern Missouri Natural Gas has adopted a section of Highway 63 as part of the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Adopt-A-Highway Program. The next time you’re driving the first two miles of Highway 63 west out of Mountain Grove, look for SMNG employees collecting litter, mowing, landscaping and generally making Southern Missouri a more beautiful place.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What will it cost to get natural gas to my home?
A: SMNG will run a gas line to your home, set a meter, and convert up to three (3) appliances at no charge to you. We also perform a free yearly pre-season furnace checkup for all our customers.
Q: Do I have to pay a deposit to get natural gas hooked up?
A: No. If you are a homeowner, there is no deposit required.
Q: Is natural gas safe?
A: Yes. Natural gas is lighter than air and will not pool or pocket in low areas. Additionally, an odorant is added to natural gas, which makes leaks readily detectable.
Q: Is natural gas reliable?
A: Absolutely. North America has abundant supplies of natural gas.
Q: What are some other benefits of natural gas?
A: First of all, no fuel tanks in your yard. Natural gas is supplied from underground pipes. Second, you never have to pay for tank rental or maintenance. Third, you never need to check your fuel level with natural gas. There is an endless supply with no need to pre-buy. Fourth, since natural gas is supplied from underground, you never have to allow a fuel truck on your yard. Finally, SMNG's rates are regulated by the Missouri Public Service Commission, so you can always depend on reasonable and affordable energy costs.
Q: If I currently use propane, can I convert to natural gas and get service with SMNG?
A: Absolutely. Gas appliances are easily converted from propane to natural gas.
Q: Does SMNG offer any rebates for replacing my electric appliances with natural gas appliances?
A: Yes. Call 1-800-909-7642 for more details.
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