As a general rule, customers purchasing gas from suppliers receive the same consumer protections as the customers who purchase gas from the utility. There are, however, important differences:

• Gas service from a competitive supplier is governed by a contract between you and the supplier.
• The price under that contract is not subject to the oversight of the New York State Public Service Commission.
• All competitive suppliers are not obligated to provide service to all qualified applicants.
• Competitive suppliers are allowed to abandon service or end operations without the prior approval of the New York State Public Service Commission.