Constellation vs. SCANA Energy: A 2026 Comparison of Rates, Reviews, and Hidden Fees

Choosing the right natural gas provider in Georgia comes down to balancing monthly service charges against the price per therm to find the true lowest cost for your home.

If you’re comparing Atlanta natural gas providers or trying to decide who’s the best natural gas provider in Georgia for your home, these two brands will likely be at the top of your list. Georgia’s deregulated natural gas market often feels like a maze of confusing contracts, fluctuating rates, and aggressive marketing tactics that make it hard to know who to trust. Instead of getting lost in the fine print, you need a clear answer on which company will actually lower your monthly bills and which one will pick up the phone when you have a problem. We analyzed the typical rate structures and service policies for two of the state’s biggest players to help you cut through the noise and decide whether Constellation’s low prices or SCANA Energy’s premium service is the right fit for your home.

The Head-to-Head Breakdown

Feature	Constellation	SCANA Energy
Best For	Lowest total bill & self-service	Customer support & credit building
Avg. Customer Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Good – Varies by source)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Often Top-Rated)
Monthly Service Charge	Historically $5.95 – $7.95	Historically $6.95 – $9.95
Early Termination Fee	Typically $150 (standard 12-mo plan)	Typically $150 – $200 (varies by plan)
Contract Lengths	Various terms (e.g., 6, 12, 24 Months)	Various terms (e.g., 6, 12, 18 Months)

When you look at the high-level differences, the distinction is clear. Constellation often positions its Georgia fixed-rate plans as competitively priced, and many offers feature lower per-therm rates or service fees than comparable plans from SCANA Energy. If you are comfortable managing your account online and just want the cheapest bottom line, they are difficult to beat.

SCANA Energy, on the other hand, operates as a premium brand with a strong focus on community and accessibility. As the state-appointed Regulated Provider approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission, they are the go-to option for residents who might be denied service elsewhere due to credit issues. While you might pay a few dollars more per month, you are paying for flexibility and a customer support team that is often recognized for responsiveness.

Analyzing the Rates: Price Per Therm vs. Real Cost

In Georgia, the advertised “price per therm” is the flashy number everyone looks at, but it is only half the equation. To understand what you will actually pay, you have to look at the fixed monthly fees that get tacked on regardless of how much gas you use.

Price Per Therm

Constellation is aggressive about pricing. In most standard fixed-rate comparisons, their price per therm is slightly lower than SCANA’s. Over the course of a cold winter where you might use 100 to 200 therms a month, a difference of even a few cents per therm can result in noticeable savings on your heating bill.

Monthly Service Charge

This is where the hidden difference lies. Every marketer charges a monthly fee just to keep your account active. Constellation generally keeps this fee competitive, often seeing ranges between $5.95 and $7.95. SCANA Energy’s service charge is historically higher, frequently starting around $6.95 and going up depending on the specific plan or credit standing. While a dollar difference sounds small, it is money out the door every single month, even in the summer when your furnace is off.

The Real World Impact

Imagine you choose a plan with a service fee that is $2.00 higher than the competition. Over the course of a 24-month contract, you are paying an extra $48 just for the privilege of being a customer. When you combine that with a slightly higher rate per therm, the “premium” experience can cost a household nearly $100 extra over two years.

To illustrate how these costs stack up, here is a hypothetical comparison of what a monthly bill might look like during a low-usage month versus a high-usage month.

Usage Scenario	Constellation (Est.)	SCANA Energy (Est.)
Assumptions*	$0.69/therm + $6.95 fee	$0.79/therm + $8.95 fee
Low Usage (30 therms)	$27.65	$32.65
High Usage (120 therms)	$89.75	$103.75

*Note: These ranges are examples based on typical historical offers. Actual rates and fees change frequently; always check current plan disclosures on the provider’s website.

It is important to remember that neither of these charges includes the AGL Pass-Through Charge. This fee is determined by Atlanta Gas Light for maintaining the pipelines and meters. It is identical for every customer in your area, regardless of whether you choose Constellation, SCANA, or anyone else. Do not let this line item confuse your comparison, you cannot negotiate it.

Constellation Plans and Pricing

SCANA Energy Plans and Pricing

Hidden Fees and Fine Print

Reading the terms of service is nobody’s idea of fun, but it is the only way to avoid surprise charges. Both companies use Early Termination Fees (ETFs) to keep you locked into your contract. If you switch providers before your term is up, you will pay a penalty.

Constellation’s standard ETF is historically around $150 for a 12-month fixed plan. SCANA Energy’s fees can vary more widely, ranging from $150 up to $200 for longer-term contracts. However, some customers report that SCANA may be more lenient if you are moving out of their service area, though you should always verify this in your specific contract terms.

The biggest financial trap for any natural gas customer is “renewal shock.” If your contract expires and you forget to renew or switch, both companies will automatically roll you onto a variable rate plan. These variable rates can be double or triple your previous fixed rate. The best defense is to set a calendar reminder for 30 days before your contract ends so you can shop for a new rate on natural gas before the price spike hits.

Customer Experience and Reviews

Price isn’t everything, especially if you have a billing dispute or need to set up a complex payment arrangement. This is the area where the two providers diverge the most.

SCANA Energy is deeply embedded in the Georgia market. They are well-regarded for their community involvement and their call center operations. If you value speaking to a human being who can solve problems quickly, SCANA is often the superior choice. Their status as the Regulated Provider also means they have established protocols for helping customers with payment assistance needs.

Constellation is a large national energy company. Their scale allows them to be efficient and affordable, but their service model is more digital-first. While they are perfectly functional for the average user who pays via autopay and never calls, reviews indicate that getting complex issues resolved can take more time compared to SCANA’s local focus. On aggregate review sites like Trustpilot, both companies generally maintain positive sentiment, but SCANA frequently edges out the competition on “service” specific metrics.

Plan Variety and Eco-Friendly Options

For most homeowners, a Fixed-Rate Plan is the safest bet. It locks in your price per therm for 12 to 24 months, protecting you from price spikes caused by winter storms or global market shifts. Both companies offer these standard terms.

If sustainability is a priority for your household, you will need to look closely at the details. Neither company acts strictly as a “green” utility in the standard sense, as they are delivering natural gas. However, both have offered carbon-offset products in the past where a portion of your usage is matched with carbon credits.

Constellation often integrates these options into specific “Greener Life” style plans, while SCANA sometimes offers them as add-ons. If your plan doesn’t include offsets, the most effective environmentally mindful choice you can make is reducing consumption. You can learn more about minimizing your footprint by checking our guide on sustainable living.

The Verdict: Which Provider Wins?

Based on how these providers typically structure their Georgia plans, the winner depends entirely on your financial priorities.

Choose Constellation If: You want the lowest possible total monthly bill, have good credit, and prefer managing your account online. They are the efficient, budget-friendly choice for the savvy shopper who rarely needs to call customer support.

Choose SCANA Energy If: You are building credit, need flexible payment arrangements, or value premium customer service. If you are willing to pay a few dollars more per month for the peace of mind that comes with a top-tier support team, they are the better option.

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

Remember that regardless of which logo is on your bill, the gas coming into your home is exactly the same. Atlanta Gas Light manages the infrastructure for everyone. You are strictly buying customer service and billing terms. To get the best deal, try to lock in your fixed rate during the “shoulder seasons” of spring or autumn, before winter demand drives prices up across the board. For more information on your rights as a consumer, you can always visit the Georgia Public Service Commission website.

FAQs About Constellation vs. SCANA Energy