From the early days, gas utilities measured and sold gas by volume. Most gas meters have 4 digits, the smallest of which shows 100 cubic feet, or one CCF.

All fuel prices increased dramatically in the 1970's. Many gas pipelines and utilities switched to selling gas on the basis of heating value. One British Thermal Unit (or BTU) is the amount of heat needed to raise one pound (pint) of water by 1° F. One BTU is about the energy produced by burning a wooden match.

An electrical meter shows kilowatt-hours, but there isn't a practical way to directly measure the potential energy of gas. Gas utilities measure volume and calculate heating value. In Eastern Kentucky, most gas companies sell gas by the Thousand cubic feet or "MCF". One MCF of typical natural gas at sea level will burn to produce about 1,000,000 BTU.

But most pipeline gas in Eastern Kentucky has small amounts of propane and butane, and is "hotter" than normal gas. Typical Frontier gas averages about 1,200 BTU per cubic foot, or 1.2 Million BTU per MCF.

One MCF is equivalent to about 13 gallons of Propane.

Your monthly Frontier bill includes a fixed monthly charge which pays for utility operations and meter readings. If you use at least 1 MCF in a month, all MCFs are charged at the same rate.

Late Payments and Assistance Programs
For any unpaid balance more than 30 days delinquent, Frontier is authorized to charge a 10% Late Payment Charge and can start the disconnection process. There are Returned Check and Service charges for collections, and a Re-Connection fee if your gas has been disconnected or turned off at your request.

Current Frontier Rules and gas Rates are available from the Kentucky Public Service Commission.

The State of Kentucky has a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to provide help with energy costs.

Go to http://chfs.ky.gov/dcbs/dfs/LIHEAP.htm for more information, or call 502-564-3440.

Frontier cannot sign you up for LIHEAP.