A Guide to Paying Your Okaloosa Gas District Bill

Having reliable and affordable natural gas service is essential for homes and businesses in Okaloosa County Florida. As a customer of Okaloosa Gas District (OGD), it’s important to understand your bill and the various ways you can pay it. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Okaloosa Gas District billing and outlines the convenient payment options available.

About Okaloosa Gas District

Okaloosa Gas District is a municipally-owned natural gas utility that serves over 40,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Okaloosa County.

As a public gas district, they are governed by an elected 5-member board and operate on a non-profit basis. Revenue generated goes back into maintaining the gas system and keeping rates affordable.

OGD delivers safe, clean natural gas through a network of underground pipelines spanning over 900 miles across the county. They handle everything from procuring the gas supply to metering usage to billing customers.

Overview of Billing Process

Let’s take a look at how the billing process works:

• Meters are read around the 20th of each month either automatically or by OGD field technicians.

• Bills are generated based on the meter readings and mailed out by the 1st of the following month.

• The due date is the 20th of each month. Payment must be received by the due date to avoid late fees.

• Bills show the date range your usage covers along with meter readings for that period.

• Rates are clearly laid out including base facility charges and volumetric gas charges based on usage.

• Taxes and fees make up a portion of the total bill as well.

Reviewing billing dates and due dates is important for budgeting and ensuring on-time payment.

Calculating Gas Usage

Your monthly gas usage is measured in CCFs (hundred cubic feet) based on meter readings. It factors in both the volume of gas used as well as heat content.

Usage often fluctuates seasonally with more gas used for heating in winter months versus summer. Monitoring usage helps detect leaks and opportunities to improve conservation.

Comparing use over time can indicate issues like a faulty appliance or change in occupancy. Check use trends regularly.

Payment Due Date

OGD bills must be paid by the due date listed, typically the 20th of the month, to avoid penalties.

If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, payment is extended to the next business day without late fees.

Late payments incur a 1.5% penalty charge. Make note of due dates each month to pay on time.

Flexible Payment Options

Okaloosa Gas offers several convenient payment options. Choose the method that works best for you:

Online – Pay through OGD’s online portal via bank draft or credit/debit card. Register your account to view bill history.

Phone – Call the 24-hour automated payment line at 850-729-4700 and pay with a card.

Mail – Send a check or money order to P.O. Box 548, Valparaiso, FL 32580. Include your stub.

In person – Pay by cash, check, or card at one of OGD’s three office locations. Drop boxes are accessible 24/7.

Bank draft – Sign up to have your bill automatically drafted from your checking account each month.

Mobile app – Download the MyUtilityConnect app to pay on your smartphone or tablet.

EasyPay Plan – Break up payments over several months with fixed monthly payments.

Payment Assistance Programs

If you are having difficulty paying your gas bill, OGD partners with local organizations to provide payment assistance programs and manageable payment plans for qualifying customers.

Some options include:

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

• Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP)

• Project SHARE – helps pay gas bill for limited income households

Please contact OGD as soon as possible if you anticipate problems paying your bill. Disconnections can be avoided with the right assistance plan.

Avoid Late Fees and Disconnection

Follow these tips to avoid late fees and service interruptions:

• Mark your calendar with due dates and set bill reminders.

• Enroll in autopay or recurring payments so bills are always paid on time.

• Contact OGD immediately if you anticipate payment issues – don’t wait until it’s past due.

• Take advantage of budget billing to spread costs evenly throughout the year.

• Check for leaks and practice conservation to control usage and costs.

Customer Service Options

Okaloosa Gas District provides excellent customer service through:

• Knowledgeable team available by phone Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM at 850-729-4700

• Online account management portal for bill pay, paperless billing, usage history, profile updates, and more

• Three local office locations in Valparaiso, Ft. Walton Beach, and Crestview

• 24/7 emergency gas leak response: call 850-729-4700 if you smell gas

• Service technicians performing meter work, inspections, and assisting customers

Reach out with any questions on your bill or service needs. OGD is here to help!

Supporting the Community

As a public gas district, the dollars you pay for your gas bill go right back into serving Okaloosa County residents through system investments, competitive rates, quality jobs, and community support.

By paying your bill on time and in full each month, you ensure the continued operation of this vital community resource we all rely on. Natural gas provides comfort, convenience, and reliability to power our daily lives. We’re all in this together!