What to Know About Peoples Gas & Appliance in South Carolina

Peoples Gas & Appliance serves customers across South Carolina with natural gas delivery and appliance sales

Peoples Gas & Appliance is a natural gas utility company operating in South Carolina, primarily serving residential and commercial customers in certain regions of the state. The company handles gas distribution—the pipes and infrastructure that bring natural gas to your home—and also sells and services appliances that run on gas, including water heaters, furnaces, stoves, and dryers. If you heat your home with natural gas or cook on a gas range, you may be a Peoples Gas customer, or you may be considering switching to gas service in your area.

The company operates under regulated utility rules, meaning rates and service standards are overseen by the South Carolina Public Service Commission. Understanding how Peoples Gas works, what to expect from their service, and how to handle billing or repairs will help you manage your account and know when to contact them versus when to call a private repair contractor.

Key Takeaways

• Peoples Gas delivers natural gas to homes and businesses in parts of South Carolina and also sells gas appliances like water heaters and furnaces.
• Your gas bill covers both the gas itself and the cost of delivery through Peoples Gas's pipes and infrastructure.
• For gas leaks or emergencies, call Peoples Gas immediately—do not wait or try to fix it yourself.
• Peoples Gas handles repairs to the gas line and meter on your property, but repairs to appliances themselves may fall to you or a private contractor depending on your service agreement.
• The South Carolina Public Service Commission oversees Peoples Gas rates and service standards, and you can file a complaint with them if you have a dispute.

How Peoples Gas service works in your home

Natural gas arrives at your home through underground or above-ground pipes owned and maintained by Peoples Gas. The company installs a meter at your property line or on your exterior wall to measure how much gas you use each month. You pay Peoples Gas for the gas itself plus a delivery charge for the infrastructure and service that brings it to you. The delivery charge covers maintenance of the pipes, meter reading, customer service, and emergency response.

If you want to use gas appliances—a furnace, water heater, stove, or dryer—you either need to own them already or purchase them. Peoples Gas sells new and used appliances and can install them for you, but you are not required to buy from them. You can purchase appliances from other retailers and hire a licensed plumber or HVAC contractor to install them, as long as the installation meets South Carolina code and Peoples Gas's safety standards.

Understanding your Peoples Gas bill

Your monthly bill shows two main charges: the cost of the gas you used (measured in therms or cubic feet) and the delivery charge. The gas cost fluctuates based on market prices and the amount you consumed. The delivery charge is usually fixed or has a small variable component and covers Peoples Gas's operating costs. Your bill also shows any taxes, fees, or credits that apply to your account.

If your bill seems unusually high, check whether the weather was colder than normal (heating uses more gas) or whether someone in your home was using gas appliances more frequently. You can also ask Peoples Gas to review your meter for accuracy. If you are having trouble paying your bill, contact Peoples Gas directly to ask about budget billing, payment plans, or information about energy assistance programs that may be available in your area.

Gas leaks and safety emergencies

Natural gas is odorless, so Peoples Gas adds a chemical smell to it so you can detect a leak. If you smell gas inside or outside your home, leave immediately, do not use electrical switches or open flames, and call Peoples Gas's emergency line from a safe location away from the building. Do not try to find the leak yourself or assume it is minor. Peoples Gas will send a technician to investigate at no charge if there is a real leak.

If you suspect a leak but are not certain, you can also call Peoples Gas's non-emergency line to report it. The company takes all reports seriously because gas leaks are a safety hazard. Keep the emergency number posted near your phone or stored in your mobile device so you can reach them quickly if needed.

Repairs to gas lines, meters, and appliances

Peoples Gas is responsible for maintaining the gas line from the street to your meter and the meter itself. If there is a problem with that part of the system, Peoples Gas handles the repair at no charge to you. If the problem is with the gas line inside your home or with a gas appliance, responsibility depends on what you own and what your service agreement says.

If you own a gas appliance outright, you are responsible for repairs to that appliance. You can hire any licensed contractor to fix it, or you can contact Peoples Gas if they offer appliance repair services in your area. If you purchased an appliance from Peoples Gas and it is still under warranty, contact Peoples Gas first—they may cover the repair or direct you to an authorized repair center. Always get a written estimate before authorizing any repair work.

Billing disputes and service complaints

If you believe your bill is incorrect or you have a problem with Peoples Gas service, start by contacting the company directly. Explain the issue clearly and ask for a written response. Peoples Gas has a process for investigating billing disputes and service complaints, and they are required to respond within a set timeframe.

If you are not satisfied with Peoples Gas's response, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Public Service Commission, which regulates the company. The PSC can investigate disputes over rates, billing accuracy, service quality, and safety. You can file a complaint online through the PSC website or by mail. Include copies of your bill, correspondence with Peoples Gas, and a clear description of the problem. The PSC will contact Peoples Gas on your behalf and work toward a resolution.

Switching providers or service options

In most of South Carolina, natural gas service is not deregulated, meaning Peoples Gas is the only gas utility available in your area. You cannot switch to a different gas company for delivery. However, you can choose whether to use gas at all—you might install an electric water heater or heat pump instead of a gas furnace, for example. If you are considering that change, contact Peoples Gas to ask about disconnecting gas service and what that process involves.

If you move to a new home in a Peoples Gas service area, you will need to set up an account with them. Contact the company at least a few days before you move in to arrange for service activation. If you are moving out of a Peoples Gas service area, notify the company of your move date so they can close your account and process any final bill or deposit refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I smell gas in my home?

Leave your home immediately without using electrical switches or lighting a match. Call Peoples Gas's emergency line from outside the building or from a neighbor's phone. Do not re-enter your home until Peoples Gas has confirmed it is safe. Gas leaks are serious and require professional inspection.

Can I choose a different gas company?

In most South Carolina areas served by Peoples Gas, the company is the only gas utility available. You cannot switch gas providers for delivery, but you can choose to stop using gas and switch to electric appliances instead. Contact Peoples Gas to discuss your options.

Who pays for repairs to my gas water heater or furnace?

If you own the appliance, you are responsible for repairs. If Peoples Gas sold it to you and it is under warranty, contact them first—they may cover the repair. For appliances you purchased elsewhere, hire any licensed contractor. Peoples Gas is only responsible for the gas line and meter leading to your home.

How do I report a problem with my bill?

Contact Peoples Gas directly with details about the issue and ask for a written response. If you are not satisfied, file a complaint with the South Carolina Public Service Commission online or by mail. Include your bill, correspondence with Peoples Gas, and a clear explanation of the problem.

What happens if I cannot pay my gas bill?

Contact Peoples Gas to discuss payment plans, budget billing, or information about energy assistance programs in your area. Many communities offer help with utility bills for households with limited income. Peoples Gas can direct you to resources or may offer their own payment options to keep your service active.