Terms and Definitions

Producers:  Any entity leasing, owning or controlling a supply of natural gas.

Transporter/Distributor: A pipeline company or a local distributer, such as ENSTAR, which purchases natural gas from a producer.

End User: You, the customer.

British Thermal Unit (BTU): A measure of heat energy,  1 BTU represents the amount of heat necessary to heat 1 pound of water 1 degree Fahrenheit at sea level.

Therm: A measure of heat energy, 1 therm is equal to 100,000 BTUs or 100 CF (Cubic Feet) = 0.1 MCF

CCF: A common natural gas volumetric measurement. 1 CCF = 100 cubic feet of natural gas.

MCF: A common natural gas volumetric measurement. 1 MCF = 1,000 cubic feet of natural gas.

CFH: Cubic feet per hour

Customer Charge: A flat rate fee that is determined by the meter size (G1, G2, G3, or G4) on a gas account. The customer charge recovers a portion of the utility's fixed costs such as meter-reading, record-keeping, billing, collections, and costs associated with service lines and meters.

Service Charge (Base): A volumetric charge that is determined by the meter size (G1, G2, G3, or G4) on a gas account. This charge recovers system maintenance costs.

Gas Cost Adjustment (GCA): The “Supplier Gas Cost Charge” is a volumetric charge that reflects the price ENSTAR customers pay for gas based on gas supply agreements previously approved by the RCA. The GCA is adjusted annually in July.

Regulatory Cost Charge (RCC): The “Regulatory Cost Charge” is a volumetric charge provided for by Alaska Statutes. This charge helps fund the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA).