Services

Member Services Department

In addition to stable and low-cost natural gas supply, many Members find our complete palette of services attractive. Natural gas utility management may seem straightforward; however, the dynamics can be complex. Customer retention, system maintenance, and regulatory compliance are just a few of the challenges our natural gas utilities face. FGU’s Member Services Department’s years of experience and partnerships help navigate through any Member’s natural gas-related problems. Our level of involvement is entirely up to each Member, and we pride ourselves in working closely with Members to design programs tailored to their individual needs.

It is often said that if you’re not growing, you’re dying. This phrase is also true for natural gas distribution systems. It is also said that sales and marketing is the engine that drives the system forward. It is with that in mind that FGU offers its Members services to help them grow their distribution system through sales and marketing programs. Every system has growth opportunities, whether that be residential, commercial, or industrial, and FGU works with its Members to develop the program that is right for each opportunity. FGU provides marketing support to Members to drive sales through an extensive library of advertising assets, assistance with developing and analyzing rebate programs, building relationships with local contractors, and much more.

Builders grow your communities; FGU helps grow your system! FGU works with builders of new developments in Member areas to implement Builder Agreements. These agreements safeguard Member capital investments by ensuring increased natural gas customers. Members select a percentage of new homes to contain a specified number of natural gas appliances, and in return, the builder may receive a rebate for each home or appliance. If the builder fails to comply with the terms of the agreement, they will pay the Member a fee to cover the cost of expected revenues that will be missed. FGU is willing to contact builders/developers on behalf of its Members, analyze and present cost options, and negotiate the terms of the agreement to lock in new natural gas customers.

FGU provides project management services for nearly any gas-related project. FGU’s involvement in a project can range anywhere from consultation throughout a project to complete turnkey services. These services include contract negotiations, coordinating engineering work, construction management, facilitating a new tap, securing materials, obtaining permits, and all other facets associated with gas main work. Members are only responsible for paying third parties – FGU’s project management work is included with membership!

The Federal Department of Transportation requires all natural gas distribution operators to prepare and submit a written public awareness plan to support the Recommended Practice 1162 (RP1162), which notifies and educates the general public regarding natural gas safety procedures. FGU develops and conducts cost-effective Public Awareness Plans for its Members and ensures they fulfill the requirements set forth.

To support Member compliance with the Florida Public Service Commission’s safety regulations, FGU assists Members with operations- 4 related tasks upon request. FGU reviews and monitors operator qualification programs, evaluates and updates manuals (including operations & maintenance manual, construction manual, emergency manual, drug & alcohol plan, and more), helps to ensure that Members are performing required tasks such as leak surveys and station inspections, and provides assistance with any other aspect that relates to the safety of their natural gas system.

Throughout the last 34 years, FGU has developed numerous relationships with companies throughout the natural gas industry. FGU can recommend services in various areas, such as engineering, contracting, consulting, and legal assistance, to name a few. Besides FGU’s third-party relationships, FGU can poll its Members for information or experiences from within the membership.

FGU assists with natural gas-related grant opportunities. Our knowledgeable staff continuously seeks state and federal funding opportunities and composes grant applications for virtually any natural gas related project. Through the grant application process, from research to writing through the grant performance period upon award, FGU provides help every step of the way. It’s just one of the many services FGU has seen great success in over the years.