I was lucky/unlucky to have to call the Columbia Gas emergency line on Sunday morning. I was smelling natural gas in my basement for several weeks and had a hard time tracing it, until Sunday when I noticed it was much stronger and I could smell it over by the furnace. At this point I decided to really try to find the source. So I went and sought out some dish soap, water and a paint brush. I knew it was coming from the meter area so I sniffed around it more and noticed the odor around the actual dial area. I lathered the area up with soapy suds and bingo, the bubbles started to bubble out from under the dial area. So I called the Columbia Gas emergency line. The operator was very polite on getting my information as well as explaining to me what I should do. She said she would get someone out there quickly, they meant quickly. Within about 15 to 20 minutes of placing the call, someone was out at my house. This is better than the Toledo Police on most occasions. Within 48 minutes we had a new meter installed at no expense and the nice service lady was gone. That is pretty good service. You could say that on a Sunday morning there would not be many service calls, but you could also say that they could not have anyone working either or their resources would be stretched thin being a weekend, but I was impressed with the prompt service. With the high gas prices and Columbia Gas being a punching bag recently, this experience did leave a good taste in my mouth.
Columbia Gas response earns an A
By chrismyers - Posted on August 4th, 2008
I’m glad that you had a positive experience. I can imagine leaks are a high priority for the company. Unfortunately, trying to resolve billing disputes is practically impossible as is trying to talk to an actual person; that is where they need to improve their customer service.
I am sure leaks are a priority because they are losing money by letting it leak out as well as the danger of the situation. When I have to talk to customer service, I will be sure to report what I notice. Thanks for your feedback.
We have Ohio Gas, and as a smaller, local company they're probably better at Customer Service. My only complaint about them is that you can only call them Mon-Fri 8 am-5 pm. There's a separate 24 hour line for gas leaks and emergencies, of course.
I can't really take the time out of my workday to call about my gas bill. (Though at least they tend to have better rates on average than Columbia, so maybe I should just put up and shut up. lol)
Take home point::
If someone is breaking into your house do not call the TPD. Instead call Columbia Gas and tell them you have a gas leak. :-)
Maybe Columbia Gas should venture into private police protection. If the City can venture into private business, why can't private business venture into government?