FAQ SECTION
WHAT IS A GAS CO-OP?
SANG is a Member-Owned utility company that sells natural gas to a rural franchised area. A co-op operates for the benefit of its members. Members meet once a year to elect a board consisting of nine Directors. The Directors, in turn, hire management to manage the day-to-day affairs in a way that serves the members' interests. All excess income is invested back into the Co-op.
IS THERE A FEE TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE SANG CO-OP?
The fee for membership is $1.00. To become a member you must be on a land title with SANG gas lines already on the property or have lines installed; a meter is not required to become a member. Membership is concluded when title to land is sold or transferred. This non-refundable membership fee entitles the member to one vote at the Annual General Meeting. Even if you own multiple properties, you are entitled to only one vote.
WHAT TO DO IF I HIT A GAS LINE?
Alberta One Call should be contacted prior to any ground disturbance. Should you hit a gas line by accident, call our office to report and have one of our field staff respond and repair the line. Line hits are chargeable to the homeowner therefore every possible measure should be taken to avoid this when working around underground utilities.
WHY DO YOU HAVE TO CHANGE MY METER?
We are enrolled in a government program that requires us to change the meters every 5-7 years. The meters are then sent to a Meter Shop to be tested and resealed to be used again. Locked gates, buildings or fences that inhibit access not only slows the meter change process, but also inhibits access in case of an emergency.
HOW DO I GET GAS TO ANOTHER BUILDING?
We can make a gas line in the shop for you to install yourself (max 100’) or we can come on site and dig and install the line. All secondary service lines require permits.
WHAT IS NEEDED TO INSTALL MY NEW METER?
The main source of heat needs to be installed to completion. We require a copy of the gas permit sent to the office prior to the meter hang, the gas line(s) must be air tested with a minimum 3” gauge and hold 15 pounds for 15 minutes. We also need access inside to verify the installation is safe.
CAN I PUT A GAS LINE AND POWER LINE IN THE SAME TRENCH?
Secondary services can be in a common trench with a minimum 1 foot separation. Main service lines can not be in a common trench.
HOW FAR FROM THE GAS LINE CAN I DIG?
You can dig one meter on either side of a low pressure gas line and 3 meters either side of high pressure. Remember, no ground disturbance is permitted without contacting Alberta One Call and waiting for the locates to be performed. Only trained personnel should perform ground disturbance near any utility line.
I CAN SMELL GAS BY THE METER. IS THIS NORMAL?
This is not normal, however, on occasion, the regulator may vent causing a gas smell. Any smell of gas, whether inside or out, should be reported. SANG will send trained personnel to find and verify the leak for free.
WHAT IS CO?
CO (CARBON MONOXIDE) is a common industrial hazard resulting from the incomplete burning of natural gas and carbon based material containing carbon such as gasoline, kerosene, oil, propane, coal, or wood.
Remember, CO is a poisonous, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas.
DO YOU CHECK FOR CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)?
We will respond to CO and gas leaks for free to determine where/what the cause is. Any repairs you may want completed by us is chargeable 24/7. We also have in house financing for new infills. Charges may apply for repairs.
DO YOU HAVE AFTER HOUR SERVICES?
Ste. Anne Natural Gas Co-op has on call gasfitters 24/7 in case of emergency.
DO YOU SET UP SEPARATE ACCOUNTS FOR RENTERS?
No. The Board of Directors made the decision in May 2015 to no longer set up renter accounts. The account must be in the land title holders name. This decision was made to eliminate any confusion of who is responsible for outstanding bills. Any existing rental accounts have been Grandfathered.
WHAT IS A FLOW RATE?
The flow rate found on your gas bill is what SANG charges per GJ to distribute the gas. It is charged over and above the gas rate cost, which is paid to Gas Alberta. This is what we call our gas “markup”.
WHAT IS CARBON LEVY?
It levies a fee on the production, distribution or use of fossil fuels based on how much carbon their combustion emits. The government sets a price per ton on carbon, then translates it into a tax on electricity, natural gas or oil. The primary purpose of Carbon Tax is to lower greenhouse-gas emissions.
WHEN IS OUR GAS BILL DUE?
The gas bills are always due the 5th of each month. Please ensure that if you are paying through online banking or directly at the bank, you account for a minimum of 3-5 business days for processing time.
DO YOU ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS?
Yes. Please note that we are currently unable to auto-withdraw from your credit card. We can accept payment over the phone as an alternative to coming into the office.
WHAT IS EQUALIZATION?
Equalization is a fixed monthly charge for gas service each month for 12 months. Equalization is recommended for any Member who wishes to budget their gas bills over a one-year period. The monthly equalization payment is determined by using a Member's full year's gigajoule history and dividing by 12 to obtain the average monthly cost.