SCANA vs. Gas South: A Head-to-Head Comparison of Rates and Service

Understanding the real differences between Georgia’s top two natural gas providers helps you avoid hidden fees and secure the best long-term rate for your home.

Choosing between SCANA Energy and Gas South can feel like splitting hairs, especially when both providers saturate the Georgia market with similar marketing claims. If you’re choosing a natural gas marketer in Georgia’s deregulated market, SCANA Energy and Gas South are two of the most recognizable names. While both rely on the same Atlanta Gas Light (AGL) infrastructure to deliver gas to your home, their pricing structures, customer service reputations, and contract terms differ significantly. This guide cuts through the advertising noise to give you a transparent, line-by-line comparison of SCANA vs. Gas South, helping you decide which marketer deserves your business and which one might surprise you with unexpected costs.

At a Glance: SCANA vs. Gas South Comparison Table

If you are in a rush to set up service, this snapshot highlights the core differences between these two major providers. While rates fluctuate monthly based on the market, their fee structures and service policies tend to remain consistent.

Feature	SCANA Energy	Gas South
Contract Options	Fixed & Variable (often 6–36 months)	Fixed, Variable & OnePrice (often 6–24 months)
Credit Check Required?	Yes (Special programs available)	Yes (No deposit options often available for qualified users)
Monthly Service Fee	Commonly around $7 (varies by plan)	Ranges from mid-single digits up to ~$10
Google Customer Rating	Generally high-3-star range (varies)	Generally mid-4-star range (varies)
Early Termination Fee	Often $150 or more on fixed plans	Often around $150 on fixed plans

While the table above gives you the raw data, the real impact on your wallet comes down to how you use energy. Let’s dig into the specific rate plans to see where the value actually lies.

Analyzing the Rate Plans: Fixed vs. Variable

Both companies offer the standard menu of fixed and variable rate plans, but the devil is in the details regarding contract length and renewal terms. Understanding these differences is critical to avoiding a bill spike during the winter months.

SCANA Energy Rate Structures

SCANA is widely recognized for offering a variety of term lengths, often ranging from 6 to 36 months. Their fixed-rate plans provide stability, locking in your price per therm for the duration of the contract. However, users should be aware that SCANA’s variable rates can fluctuate significantly based on market conditions, potentially leading to higher bills in peak winter months if you aren’t on a contract.

Scana Plans

Gas South Rate Structures

Gas South differentiates itself by frequently offering “bridge” rates or introductory offers that can look very attractive at first glance. They also heavily market their “OnePrice Plan,” which flattens your bill into a predictable monthly amount. For standard fixed plans, their rates are competitive, but you must keep an eye on the expiration date to avoid auto-renewing into a higher variable rate.

Gas South Plans

The “Total Bill” Reality: Fees and AGL Charges

One of the biggest sources of confusion for Georgia residents is why their bill is so high even when their rate per therm is low. It is vital to understand that neither SCANA nor Gas South controls the delivery charges set by the utility.

The Atlanta Gas Light (AGL) Pass-Through Charge

Regardless of which provider you choose, you will see a line item for the Atlanta Gas Light (AGL) pass-through charge. This covers the cost of maintaining the pipes and infrastructure. Since this is a regulated charge overseen by the Georgia Public Service Commission, it will be identical on both a SCANA and a Gas South bill. Do not let a provider claim they have “lower delivery fees”, they don’t control this cost.

For example, if you use 50 therms in a month, your bill will include your marketer’s charge (50 × your price per therm), your marketer’s monthly customer service fee, and the AGL pass-through charge. That means a low price per therm doesn’t always guarantee a low total bill if your usage is high or your monthly fee is higher.

Comparing Monthly Customer Service Fees

Where the providers do differ is in their specific monthly customer service charge. Research indicates that SCANA Energy frequently charges a fee commonly around $7. Gas South’s fees generally range from the around $7 up to about $10, though they may waive this fee for the first six months depending on the specific promotion you select. This fee is charged every month regardless of how much gas you use, so a lower fee here can add up to meaningful savings over a year.

Customer Service and User Reviews

When your heat goes out or you have a billing dispute, the rate per therm matters less than the person on the other end of the phone. In this category, recent customer sentiment shows a distinct divide between the two companies.

Gas South Reputation

Gas South has aggressively positioned itself as a highly-rated provider in terms of customer satisfaction. They generally receive higher average ratings on Google and other review platforms compared with many competitors, including SCANA. Customers frequently cite their “no deposit” option (for qualified applicants) and transparency as major pluses. Their digital app interface is also frequently praised for being user-friendly, allowing you to manage your natural gas service easily from your phone.

SCANA Energy Reputation

SCANA is a legacy provider with deep roots in the region. While they have solid reliability, some user reviews highlight frustrations with call wait times or rigid fee policies. However, SCANA has a strong reputation for working with customers who have lower credit scores or limited credit history, making them a vital option for many households establishing service for the first time.

Sustainability and Community Impact

For the eco-conscious homeowner, choosing a natural gas provider often feels like a compromise. However, both companies have made strides to support local communities and environmental initiatives.

Gas South publicly highlights community giving and energy-related projects, and states that it donates 5% of its profits to support children in need. SCANA participates in assistance programs aimed at helping income-qualified residents with winter heating bills. While neither offers a 100% renewable gas product in the traditional sense, looking for “carbon offset” add-ons or community support programs can help you align your choice with your values.

Verdict: Which Provider Should You Choose?

The right choice ultimately depends on your financial priorities, whether you need the lowest possible credit barrier or the highest rated customer service experience.

Choose Gas South If:

You have good credit and want to avoid a deposit. Gas South is also the better choice if you prioritize a modern digital experience and want a provider with high customer satisfaction ratings. Their transparency on fees makes them a favorite for homeowners who hate billing surprises.

Choose SCANA Energy If:

You are building your credit or have had trouble getting approved by other providers. SCANA is also a strong contender if you prefer a long-standing, traditional utility brand and can lock in a competitive fixed rate during a low-price season.

How to Switch Providers in Georgia

If you have decided to switch from SCANA to Gas South (or vice versa), the process is handled largely by the new provider, but there are steps you must take to ensure a smooth transition, especially if you are moving to a new home.

1. Check Your Current Contract: Log in to your current account and verify your contract expiration date. Switching before this date will trigger an Early Termination Fee.
2. Sign Up with the New Provider: Go to the new provider’s website and select a plan. You will need your AGL account number, found on your current bill.
3. Wait for the Switch: The switch typically occurs on the first of the month through Atlanta Gas Light’s system, as part of Georgia’s deregulated gas market. Your new provider will notify AGL, and you will receive a final bill from your old provider.
4. Verify the Final Bill: Ensure your old provider did not charge you for service overlapping with the new one, and check that no erroneous cancellation fees were applied.

Learn more about Switching Natural Gas Providers

Making the Smart Choice for Your Home Energy

Deciding between SCANA Energy and Gas South doesn’t have to be a headache. By looking past the introductory rates and focusing on the total cost, including service fees and contract terms, you can choose the partner that best fits your budget and lifestyle. Whether you prioritize SCANA’s accessibility or Gas South’s customer ratings, the most important step is locking in a fixed rate to protect yourself from market volatility. Take control of your utility bills today by comparing the latest offers and reading the fine print before you sign.

FAQs About SCANA vs. Gas South