COLUMBIA GAS OF
PENNSYLVANIA CHOICE
REFERENCE MANUAL
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
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Table of Contents
Section 1
General Choice Program Information
Reference Materials
Code of Conduct
Choice Program Overview
Section 2
How to Become a Choice Supplier – New Supplier Setup
Choice Supplier Minimum Requirements
Choice Creditworthiness Requirements
Choice New Supplier Set up Checklist
Section 3
Maintenance of Choice Accounts
Initial Access to FTP Site
Naming Conventions
Transaction File Descriptions
Transaction File Process
Transaction File Maintenance Timeline
Transaction File Summary
Action Codes
Notification Codes with Associated Action codes
Enrollment Effective Date
Section 4
File Formats and Notifications
Enrollment and Maintenance of Accounts
REQ File Format
REQ File Maintenance
RSP File Format
RAC File Format
Sample REQ File
Sample RSP File
CNF Notification
ACP Notification
ACF Notification
REJ Notification
CNS Notification
GRP Notification
GRC Notification
RSC Notification
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
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Section 4 (cont.)
BIL File Format
DET File Format
RAC1 File Format
RAC2 File Format
RATE File Format
RERR File Format
NOP File Format
DMD File Format
Demand Curve Report
DIS File Format
ACT File Format
CPA Solicitation List Format
Section 5
Capacity and Delivery Requirements
Pipeline Scheduling Point (PSP)
Locate Nom Group Numbers
Choice Capacity Requirements
Daily Delivery Requirements
Section 6
Customer Billing & Rates
Billing Options
Timeline for Rate Codes
New Rate Code Process
Rate Changes to Existing Rates Process
Section 7
Supplier Invoicing
Supplier Invoicing
Bill Image Sample
Annual Reconciliation
Annual Reconciliation Bill Image
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
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Section 8
Aviator, Dispute Resolution, and E-Payment
Accessing the Bill Viewer
Dispute Resolution
Customer Concern Database
E-Payment
Section 9
Appendix
Glossary of Terms
Acronyms
Revenue Class Codes
Reject Notification Error Codes
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
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Section 1:
General Choice Program Information
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
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Reference Material for the CPA Choice Program
The information and instructions in this manual are in keeping with the Rules and Regulations
set forth in the following sources:
•
•
Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania Tariff
Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission
Code of Conduct
CPA’s tariff does not contain a section that is titled “Code of Conduct”, however, Section 2.3.3 of
the tariff RULES APPLICABLE TO ALL DISTRIBUTION SERVICE states that all parties must
adhere to the applicable Chapter 56 standards, when they engage in an activity covered by
those standards.
The CPA tariff further states:

NGS shall follow the specific tariff rules concerning procedures for customer enrollment
via the Internet, Written Communication, and Telephonic enrollments

NGS must deliver gas on a firm basis

Failure to deliver to the DDR may result in penalties and the NGS’ share of any cost
incurred by CPA

NGS must undergo a credit evaluation at its’ expense, to determine the NGS’
creditworthiness

Resolve disputes in a timely fashion
NOTE: Capacity may need to be increased as customers are added
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Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania Customer Choice
Program Overview
Eligibility
All residential customers, and commercial customers using less than or equal to 64,400 thms
annually.
Enrollment
Submitted electronically through the CPA FTP web site. Written enrollment requires a
document signed by the customer stating their consent to enroll with the NGS. Customers can
enroll via the Internet or be enrolled telephonically through recorded voice verification. CPA
does not require a copy of the customer contract between the Natural Gas Supplier and the
customer.
Gas Deliveries
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Required to use Aviator to nominate on Columbia system
Follow Demand Curves (DDR, Daily Delivery Requirements) as specified in the CPA
tariff
Make deliveries by using Pipeline Scheduling Points ( formerly TCO Market Areas)
Firm Transportation is required
Natural Gas Suppliers Aggregation pools are required
Rate Schedules
RDS – Residential Distribution Service
SCD – Small Commercial Distribution
Billing
Customers are billed nightly in accordance with the 21 unit billing cycle. Natural Gas Suppliers
are billed after all the meters have been read or calculated for the billing cycle and nominations
have been confirmed, approximately the 6th working day of the month.
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Section 2:
How to Become a Choice Supplier –
New Supplier Setup
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Choice Supplier Minimum Requirements
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NGS must be licensed by the State of Pennsylvania Utilities Commission
NGS must submit an Initial Natural Gas Supplier Application
NGS must meet the standards and fulfill the obligations of creditworthiness as required
in the tariff. Columbia reserves the right to conduct evaluations on an as-needed basis.
NGS must execute a Natural Gas Supplier Choice Distribution Aggregation Agreement
for Columbia Choice Service and choose these options:
o Capacity Assignment
o Delivery Point
o Customer Billing
NGS must execute an Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement, if Option 2Consolidated Billing is chosen.
NGS must establish one or more Choice Aggregation Nomination Groups with an
aggregate annual demand of at least 53,650 thms or a minimum of 50 customers.
NGS is required to acquire the necessary firm supply of natural gas to serve the Choice
Daily Delivery Requirements for each Choice Aggregation Nomination Group for the
months of November through March.
NGS agrees to refer to the Commissions guidelines on Customer Information
Disclosure.
NGS must be able to communicate using Columbia’s Electronic Bulletin Board.
NGS must complete mandatory Choice Supplier Training prior to participating in the
Choice Program.
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Creditworthiness Requirements
As part of the Initial NGS Application process, a NGS must meet the standards and fulfill the
obligations of Creditworthiness as required under the Rules Applicable to Distribution Service
(Columbia of Pennsylvania Tariff) before being permitted to provide Natural Gas Supply
Services on the Company system.
The Company will require the NGS to provide the following information.
 The financial information provided to the Commission
 The NGS’s most current financial information
 Credit reports
 Bank References
 Audited Financial Statements, Annual Report, 10K or 10Q prepared in the past 12
months
 Confirmation that the NGS is not operating under any bankruptcy or insolvency law
 Confirmation that no significant lawsuits or judgments are outstanding
 Confirmation that the NGS is not aware of any adverse condition which could cause a
material change in financial condition
 A list of parent company and other affiliates
 Names, addresses and telephone numbers of three trade references, and/or
 Additional financial related information as determined by the Company
The creditworthiness evaluation will be based on standard credit factors such as previous
history, Dun & Bradstreet financial and credit ratings, trade references, unused line of credit,
and financial information. Columbia will not deny creditworthiness without reasonable cause.
A non-refundable fee of $100.00 will be charged for each Evaluation. Columbia reserves the
right to conduct evaluations on an as-needed basis but will limit the number of charges to two
per year.
The required information, along with a check for $100.00 made payable to “Columbia Gas of
Pennsylvania” should be sent to:
Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania
290 W. Nationwide Blvd,
5th Floor, Choice Department
Columbus, Oh 43215
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Choice New Supplier Set-Up Check List
The initial set up process can take 60 to 90 days. Use this checklist to check-off objectives as
they are completed to ensure you are providing the necessary information to your Choice
Specialist for setup completion. All forms can be found at www.columbiasuppliers.com in the
forms section.
NGS will not receive their eFTP log in information until set up is complete. A complete set up
includes submission to your Choice specialist the initial 50 customers or customer group using
53,650 thms annually for enrollment. If set up is not complete within a one year time frame, the
NGS is required to complete another credit evaluation with newly signed agreements.
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Review Columbia Supplier website, tariff, and PUC website
Complete “Initial NGS Application” with $100 credit review fee.
Provide most recent financial documents for credit review (page 9)
Post Collateral (Cash, LOC, Parental Guaranty)
Send bonding letter from Columbia to the PA PUC for final approval
Notify Columbia of final approval by the PUC and send proof of certification to Choice
Specialist.
Complete agreements DO NOT fill in dates.
o Choice Aggregation Agreement
o Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement
o Tax Exemption Certificate
o CPA customer List terms and conditions
o W9
o ACH form
o Rate Sheet
o Choice Invoice access form
Submit application fee $390.00 and completed agreements to Columbia
Forward to Choice Specialist contact information. (Corporate Address, customer service
phone number, website)
Complete Choice supplier training
Provide to Choice specialist copies of direct mail solicitation
Email to Choice Specialist full account numbers for the initial 50 customers for
enrollment must be 50 customers > 53,650
Confirm with Choice Specialist that NGS is set up on CPA pipelines for EBB
Received marketer setup sheet with Log in and Noms information
Log in to eFTP
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Section 3:
Maintenance of Choice Accounts
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Initial Access to FTP
To access the Columbia Suppliers Choice  website, go to
https://www.columbiasuppliers.com/pennsylvania



Choose the “File Exchange Login” text box.
Next you will be directed to the member file exchange login.
Logon to the File Exchange by entering your user ID and password in their respective
boxes. Both fields are case sensitive.
Note: If you do not have log in information, check with your Choice Specialist to ensure you
have completed initial set up (refer to new supplier checklist pg10).
If you forget your FTP log in access, refer back to the Marketer setup sheet provided to you
during initial set up. If you are still unable to find your log on information, contact your choice
specialist.
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Naming Conventions for Choice Enrollment and NonEnrollment Files
The naming convention of transaction files and reports vary.
The names of Choice enrollment transaction files Inbound from-Supplier-to-Columbia
include the first two characters of the five-character Supplier Code (“xx” the examples).

Supplier transmits to Columbia: xx.REQ and xx.RAC files.
The names of most transaction files and reports outbound from-Columbia-to-Supplier
include both the first two characters of the five-character Supplier Code and the file
creation date in yyyymmdd format. For example:

Columbia transmits to Supplier transaction file, xxyyyymmdd.RSP and xxyyyymmdd.BIL

Columbia transmits to Supplier report, xxxmmddy.DMD
The name of reports outbound from-Columbia-to-Supplier includes the two-digit Marketer
Code and the file creation date xxyyyymmdd.
For example the non- enrollment files for a Revenue File (REV) will appear as below:

Columbia transmits to Supplier report, xxyyyymmdd.REVMK
Transaction File Descriptions
Transaction files are used to transmit data between Supplier and Columbia.
The password-protected CHOICE Suppliers “File Exchange” on the ColumbiaSuppliers.com
website is used to transmit transaction files and reports between Columbia and Supplier.
Transaction files and reports are:


Stored in an assigned Supplier-specific directory
Retained for 90 days
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Transaction File Descriptions (Cont’d)
“Inbound” transaction files are transmitted from Supplier to Columbia. There are only
two inbound from-Supplier-to-Columbia files:


Request file, xx.REQ
Supplier Rate Code Value Change file, xx.RAC
Each of these files must be an ASCII text file, system generated or edited using word
processing software that can save a TXT file.
“Outbound” transaction files and reports are transmitted from Columbia to Supplier. The
file names are found in the Transaction File Summary table below.
Any day between 12:00pm (noon) and 5:00pm EST Supplier uploads to Supplier-specific
directory, REQ and RAC files. Files uploaded after 5:00pm EST may not be processed by
Columbia until the next business day.
Each business day at 5:00pm EST through 12:00pm EST the following business day Columbia
processes and clears REQ and RAC files, and uploads to Supplier-specific directory, an RSP
file and rate-related RAC1 and RERR files.
The following files must be present in the Supplier-specific directory at all times; Supplier is to
upload and download files in Supplier-specific directory but never edit or delete files, including:


Request file, xx.REQ
Response file, xxyyyymmdd.RSP


Customer Rate Code Change file, xx.RAC
Rate-related Response files, xxyyyymmdd.RAC1 and xxyyyymmdd.RERR
FTP: CMPxxx
Inbound:
From Supplier to Columbia
Between Noon and 5pm EST
Request
(REQ)
Response
(RSP)
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
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Processes
Outbound:
From Columbia to Supplier
Between 5pm and Noon EST
Each business
day, Columbia
processes and
clears REQ and
transmits RSP.
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Transaction File Maintenance Timeline
The following table provides a calendar view of customer- and rate-related transaction files and
reports. Use this calendar to plan out the month to make sure you are submitting and accessing
customer files on the correct days.
Day
Unit 1
2nd business day
Each business day
Activity and File Type

Access reports based on prior month activity:
o Active Customer List (ACT)
o Detailed Customer Billing report (DET)
o Choice Revenue report (REVMK)

Access Marketer Billing Rate report (RATE)

Request customer enrollment, drop and change transactions
(REQ)
Check accepted and rejected customer enrollment, drop and
change transactions (RSP)
Check customer billing and adjustments (BIL)
Check inactive or final customer accounts (DIS)
Check customer accounts that have received a notice of
termination or no access to meter (NOP)
Check accepted (RAC1) and rejected (RERR) price value
change transactions for existing rate codes
Access Demand Curve report (DMD)
Last day to request price value changes for existing rate codes
for the next billing cycle (RAC)
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20th calendar day
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
(if not a business day,
business day prior to the
20th calendar day)
21st calendar day
(if not a business day,
business day prior to the
21st calendar day)
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
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Last day to check price value change transactions that were
accepted (RAC1) and rejected (RERR)
Check rate code changes available for the next billing cycle
(RAC2)
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Transaction File Summary
The following table summarizes the Columbia gas transaction files you will use to maintenance
your Choice accounts and process enrollments. All files are transmitted on a monthly or daily
basis.
File Description
File Name and Type
Example
(where XX is first
two characters of a
Supplier Code)
INbound
from-Supplier-to
Columbia
OUTbound
from-Columbia-toSupplier
Transmit
Daily or Monthly
Even If Empty
From Supplier to Columbia
Request file
xx.REQ
XX.REQ
IN
Each business day
Supplier Rate Code
Value Change file
xx.RAC
XX.RAC
IN
Each business day
From Columbia to Supplier – Transaction-related
Response file
xxyyyymmdd.RSP
XX20151015.RSP
OUT
Each business day
Even if empty
From Columbia to Supplier – Customer-related
Customer Billing
and Adjustments file
Customer
Disconnect file
Customer NonPayment file
xxyyyymmdd.BIL
XX20151015.BIL
OUT
xxyyyymmdd.DIS
XX20151015.DIS
OUT
xxyyyymmdd.NOP
XX20151015.NOP
OUT
Each business day
Each business day
Even if empty
Each business day
Even if empty
From Columbia to Supplier – Rate-related
Preliminary
Accepted Rate file
xxyyyymmdd.RAC1
XX20151001.RAC1
OUT
Each business day
Even if empty
Each business day
Even if empty
Rejected Rate file
xxyyyymmdd.RERR
XX20151001.RERR
OUT
Final Accepted Rate
file
xxyyyymmdd.RAC2
XX20151001.RAC2
OUT
Monthly
From Columbia to Supplier - Reports
Active Customer
List report
Count of Customers
in ACT file
Detailed Customer
Billing report
Demand Curve
report
Marketer Billing
Rate report
Choice Revenue
report
xxyyyymmdd.ACT
XX20151001.ACT
OUT
Monthly
xxyyyymmdd.CNT
XX20151015.CNT
OUT
Monthly
xxyyyymmdd.DET
XX20151001.DET
OUT
Monthly
xxxmmddy.DMD
XXX10005.DMD
OUT
Monthly
xxyyyymmdd.RATE
XX20151001.RATE
OUT
Monthly
xxyyyymmdd.REVMK
XX20151000.REVMK
OUT
Monthly
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Action Codes
Action codes are transactions transmitted from Supplier to Columbia. Suppliers will use action
codes to indicate the intent of each transaction (i.e., enroll or remove customers, request
consumption history, or submit Marketer Rate Code changes).
This table below summarizes action codes that are valid in both the REQ and RSP files. Action
code G is valid in the RSP file only. Suppliers will receive a G notification in their RSP files
for a generated removal processed.
For example, Supplier B enrolls Supplier A’s active customer. Supplier A will receive a G
notification in the response file for the customer that was enrolled by supplier B.
Action Code
Description
1
Enroll customer
2
Remove customer
Note: Customer must have billed at least once with Supplier before Supplier may use Action Code 2
3
Enroll customer and request 24 months of customer consumption history
4
Request 24 months of customer consumption history for preliminarily accepted customer or existing customer
5
Change Rate Code associated with preliminarily accepted customer or existing customer
6
Cancel pending customer enrollment
7
Cancel pending customer removal
G
Columbia generated: Remove customer
Note: “G” not valid in REQ file; Valid only in RSP file
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Notification Codes with Associated Action Codes
Each action code request will provide an appropriate response notification in the RSP file.
When a supplier enrolls a new customer they will receive CNF, ACP, ACF notifications. If an
account fails to enroll for any reason, Suppliers will receive a reject notification with an error
code. You can receive reject notifications at any time during the enrollment cycle for pending
customers.
NOTIFICATION CODES
CNF
ACP
REJ
ACF
GRP
GRC
RSC
Receipt Preliminary Rejected
Final
Consumption Generated Generated Rescinded
Confirmation Acceptance
Acceptance
Data
Removal Removal
(1)
Pending Cancelled
ACTION CODES
1 – Enroll customer
X
X
X
X
2 – Remove customer
X
X
X
X
3 – Enroll customer and request 24 months of
customer consumption history
X
X
X
X
4 – Request 24 months of customer consumption
history for preliminarily accepted or existing
customer
X
5- Change Marketer Rate Code effective next billing,
for preliminarily accepted or existing customer
X
6 – Cancel pending customer enrollment
7 – Cancel pending customer removal
G – Columbia-generated: Remove customer
CNS
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
(3)
X
X
(1) - Notification code CNF is issued to confirm receipt of Supplier-requested
transactions only (i.e., Action codes 1-7)
(2) - Action code G is not valid in REQ file; valid in RSP file only.
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X
Enrollment Effective Date
Rolling Enrollment enables suppliers to enroll customers immediately. The effective enrollment
date (i.e. first date of service) is the day after the meter reading date, provided there is no
rescind. Below, are two examples of how the rescind period effects a customer’s first date of
service.
Example #1
Rescind period
expires before
Meter Reading
Date
Example #2
Rescind period
expires after
meter reading
date
Example 1: Shows the customer meter reading date after rescind period. This customer will
enroll effective on the 17th after the meter reading date.
Example 2: This example shows the customers meter reading date within rescind period.
Customers will receive a 7 day rescind period. When the rescind period is satisfied, meaning
the customer remains enrolled with the new supplier, our system will “back date” the effective
date to one day after the meter reading date.
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Section 4:
Choice File Formats
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Enrollment and Maintenance of CHOICE Accounts
With Rolling Enrollment, suppliers will receive a response file (RSP file) with notification codes
related to the transaction. File formats for these Rolling Enrollment files and notifications are
presented in this section.
REQ (Request) File Format
Position
Length
Data Type
Data Element Name
1
1
Alpha/Num
Action Code
2
12
Num
14
5
Alpha/Num
Marketer Code
19
11
Alpha/Num
Marketer Optional Information
Not required
Enrollment Indicator
If Action Code = 1,3:
I (Internet), T (Telephone), W
(Written)
Else, optional
Nomination Group Number
If Action Code = 1,3: Required
Else, “blank”
30
1
Alpha/Num
31
8
Num

Account Number
Additional Information
Valid values are listed in Action Code
table above
Includes
8-digit Account Number,
3-digit Sequence Number,
1-digit Account Number Check Digit
Includes
2-digit Marketer Code (Required)
1-digit State (Required)
2-digit Rate Code (Required)
REQ record lengths and formats must conform to this layout.
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Sample REQ File
All REQ file requests will follow the layout provided below. Example transactions are listed to
the left. The numbers in black on the Layout Key represent spaces in the REQ file. For
instance, the nomination group number must be entered at position 31 for Action Code 1
transactions. If nom group is not entered in position 31 the transaction will not process and a
kick out will occur.
Below is an example of how you should complete an REQ transaction. To view this entire
sample file select the link below.
REQ FILE
EXAMPLE.CPA.REQ
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REQ File Maintenance
1. Appending previously accepted transactions results in redundant processing and
potentially unintended results
2. REQ file is processed and cleared each business day by Columbia
3. Reprocessing previously accept REQ transactions may result in inappropriate
requests
Two examples follow; Examples assume:
• Transactions are added to the end of “yesterday’s” REQ file
• Transactions reference the same customer
• CNF notifications are returned
Day
REQ File
with appended transactions
Processing Result
Action Code=5, Rate Code=ABC01
Rate Code=ABC01 updated in Columbia database
Action Code=5, Rate Code=ABC01
Action Code=5, Rate Code=ABC02
Rate Code=ABC01 already in Columbia database
- Notification Code=REJ, Error Code=0017 (duplicate transaction)
Rate Code=ABC02 updated in Columbia database
Action Code=5, Rate Code=ABC01
Action Code=5, Rate Code=ABC02
Rate Code=ABC01 updated in Columbia database
Rate Code=ABC02 already in Columbia database
- Notification Code=REJ, Error Code=0017 (duplicate transaction)
1
2
3
NOTE: Rolling enrollment allows for daily processing of enrollments, drops, and
updates. It is important and the supplier’s responsibility to verify that all
transactions have posted as expected. Columbia provides response files (accept
or reject) for every transaction received. If you do not receive a response to your
transaction, then the transaction was not received by Columbia.
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RSP (Response) File Format
Position
Length
Data Type
1
2
Num
3
5
Alpha/Num
8
12
Num
Data Element Name
Company
Marketer Code
Account Number
20
1
Alpha/Num
21
9
Num
Confirmation Number
30
8
Num
Notification Date
38
8
Num
Effective Date
46
3
Alpha/Num
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
Additional Information
Action Code
Notification Code
Includes
2-digit Marketer Code (Required)
1-digit State or “blank”
2-digit Rate Code or “blank”
Includes
8-digit Account Number,
3-digit Sequence Number,
1-digit Account Number Check Digit
Valid values are Notification Code
dependent
See table of valid Notification Codes
and associated Action Codes
Unique Columbia-generated number
yyyymmdd
Date notification is sent
If Notification Code = ACP or ACF:
yyyymmdd
Else: “blank”
Required
Valid Notification Codes:
CNF (Receipt Confirmation)
ACP (Preliminary Acceptance)
REJ (Rejected)
ACF (Final Acceptance)
CNS (Consumption Data)
GRP (Generated Removal Pending)
GRC (Generated Removal
Cancelled)
RSC (Rescinded)
RSP record lengths and formats vary depending on the Notification Code placed in the
eighth data element
The layout of the first eight data elements of each RSP record are the same record to
record
The eighth data element of each record, Notification Code, indicates the remaining data
elements in the record and their layout
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Sample RSP File
All RSP file responses will follow the layouts provided below. The numbers in black on the
Layout Key represent spaces in the RSP file. For instance, the supplier rate code information
can be found in positions 3 thru 7.
RSP FILE
EXAMPLE.CPA.txt
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CNF (Receipt Confirmation) Notification Layout:
Position
Length
Data Type
1
2
Num
3
5
Alpha/Num
8
12
Num
Data Element Name
Company
Marketer Code
Account Number
20
1
Alpha/Num
21
9
Num
Confirmation Number
30
8
Num
Notification Date
38
8
Num
Effective Date
46
3
Alpha/Num
Notification Code
49
1
Alpha/Num
Action Code
50
12
Num
62
5
Alpha/Num
67
11
78
1
Alpha/Num
79
8
Num
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Alpha/Num
Additional Information
Action Code
Account Number
Marketer Code
Marketer Optional Information
Enrollment Indicator
Nomination Group Number
If Notification Code = CNF:
2-digit Marketer Code
1-digit State (“blank”)
2-digit Rate Code (“blank”)
Includes
8-digit Account Number,
3-digit Sequence Number,
1-digit Account Number Check Digit
Valid values are Notification Code
dependent
See table of valid Notification Codes
and associated Action Codes
Unique Columbia-generated number
yyyymmdd
Date notification is sent
“blank”
Required
Valid Notification Code:
CNF (Receipt Confirmation)
As received
As received
As received
As received
As received
As received
The CNF notification is used to confirm receipt of a previous days REQ transaction.
Every supplier initiated transaction will receive a CNF confirmation.
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ACP (Preliminary Acceptance) Notification Code:
Position
Length
Data Type
1
2
Num
3
5
Alpha/Num
8
12
Num
Data Element Name
Company
Marketer Code
Account Number
20
1
Alpha/Num
21
9
Num
Confirmation Number
30
8
Num
Notification Date
38
8
Num
Effective Date
46
3
Alpha/Num
Notification Code
49
1
Alpha/Num
Action Code
50
12
Num
62
5
Alpha/Num
67
7
74
1
75
3
Num
78
1
Alpha/Num
79
8
Num
Nomination Group Number
87
2
Num
Billing Unit
89
1
Alpha/Num
Alpha/Num
Alpha/Num
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
Additional Information
Action Code
Account Number
Marketer Code
Marketer Optional Information
Tax Exempt Indicator
Tax Exempt Percentage
Enrollment Indicator
Source
If Notification Code = ACP:
2-digit Marketer Code
1-digit State
2-digit Rate Code
Includes
8-digit Account Number,
3-digit Sequence Number,
1-digit Account Number Check Digit
Valid values are Notification Code
dependent
See table of valid Notification Codes and
associated Action Codes
Unique Columbia-generated number
yyyymmdd
Date notification is sent
yyyymmdd
If notification is Supplier initiated; The
scheduled posting date is the day after
meter reading date or day the rescind
period expires, whichever is later
If notification is Columbia initiated; The
scheduled posting date is immediate, the
date the notification is sent.
Required
Valid Notification Code:
ACP (Preliminary Acceptance)
As received
As received
As received
As received
As received
As received
As received
As received
Populated if Action Code = 1-3, 5
(i.e., all Action Codes associated with
ACP notification)
B (Business), C (Customer),
M (Marketer)
28
ACF (Final Acceptance) Notification Code:
Position
Length
Data Type
1
2
Num
3
5
Alpha/Num
8
12
Num
Data Element Name
Additional Information
Company
Marketer Code
Account Number
Action Code
If Notification Code = ACF:
2-digit Marketer Code
1-digit State
2-digit Rate Code
Includes
8-digit Account Number,
3-digit Sequence Number,
1-digit Account Number Check Digit
Valid values are Notification Code
dependent
See table of valid Notification Codes
and associated Action Codes
Unique Columbia-generated number
20
1
Alpha/Num
21
9
Num
Confirmation Number
30
8
Num
Notification Date
yyyymmdd
Date notification is sent
Effective Date
yyyymmdd
if Action Code = 1 or 3: First date of
service
If Action Code = 2: Last date of
service
Note: Effective Date may be different
than Effective Date in ACP
notification
38
8
Num
46
3
Alpha/Num
Notification Code
49
1
Alpha/Num
Action Code
50
12
Num
62
5
Alpha/Num
67
7
74
1
75
3
Num
78
1
Alpha/Num
79
8
Num
Nomination Group Number
87
9
Num
PSID Number
96
2
Num
Billing Unit
Alpha/Num
Alpha/Num
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
Account Number
Marketer Code
Marketer Optional Information
Tax Exempt Indicator
Tax Exempt Percentage
Enrollment Indicator
Required
Valid Notification Code:
ACF (Final Acceptance)
As received
As received
As received
As received
As received
As received
As received
As received
Populated if Action Code = 1,3
Populated if Action Code = 1,3
29
98
8
Num
106
1
Alpha/Num
Account Status
107
1
Alpha/Num
Meter Type
108
1
Alpha/Num
Revenue Type
109
33
Alpha/Num
Customer Name
142
33
Alpha/Num
Service Address: Street
175
39
Alpha/Num
Service Address: City, State,
Zip, Carrier
214
12
Alpha/Num
Customer Phone
226
12
Alpha/Num
Business Phone
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
Nomination Group Number
Populated if Action Code = 1,3
If Action Code = 1 or 3: A (Active)
Else: “blank”
If Action Code = 1 or 3: L (Low
Pressure), H (High Pressure)
Else: “blank”
If Action Code = 1 or 3:
C (Commercial), I (Industrial),
R (Residential)
Else “blank”
Populated if Action Code = 1 or 3
Else: “blank”
Populated if Action Code = 1 or 3
Else: “blank”
Populated if Action Code = 1 or 3
Else: “blank”
Includes:
20-character City
1 space
2-character State
1 space
5-digit Zip (first 5 digits of zip+4 code)
1 space
4-digit Zip (Last 4 digits of zip+4
code)
1 space
4-character Carrier
If Action Code = 1 or 3: 999-9999999
Else: “blank”
If Action Code = 1 or 3: 999-9999999
Else: “blank”
30
REJ (Rejected) Notification Code:
Position
Length
Data Type
1
2
Num
3
8
5
12
Alpha/Num
Num
Data Element Name
Company
Marketer Code
If Notification Code = REJ:
2-digit Marketer Code (Required)
1-digit State or “blank”
2-digit Rate Code or “blank”
If State and Rate Code in REQ
transaction are invalid, State and Rate
Code may be “blank”
Account Number
Includes
8-digit Account Number,
3-digit Sequence Number,
1-digit Account Number Check Digit
20
1
Alpha/Num
21
9
Num
Confirmation Number
30
8
Num
Notification Date
38
8
Num
Effective Date
46
3
Alpha/Num
Notification Code
49
1
Alpha/Num
Action Code
50
12
Num
62
5
Alpha/Num
67
7
74
1
75
3
Num
78
1
Alpha/Num
79
8
Num
Nomination Group Number
87
2
Num
Error Count
89
4
Num
Error Code

Alpha/Num
Alpha/Num
Additional Information
Action Code
Account Number
Marketer Code
Marketer Optional Information
Valid values are Notification Code
dependent
See table of valid Notification Codes and
associated Action Codes
Unique Columbia-generated number
yyyymmdd
Date notification is sent
“blank”
REJ (Rejected)
As received
As received
As received
As received
Tax Exempt Indicator
As received
Tax Exempt Percentage
As received
Enrollment Indicator
As received
As received
Maximum value is “20”
Indicates number of Error Codes in next
data element.
Each Error Code is 4 digits. Potential
total length of 80. See table of valid Error
Codes here
Provides the number of error codes and the related errors.
o See appendix for error codes.
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
31
CNS (Consumption Data) Notification Code:
Position
Length
Data Type
1
2
Num
3
5
Alpha/Num
8
12
Num
Data Element Name
Company
Marketer Code
Account Number
20
1
Alpha/Num
Action Code
21
9
Num
Confirmation Number
30
8
Num
Notification Date
38
8
Num
Effective Date
46
3
Alpha/Num
49
9
Num
Notification Code
PSID Number
Consumption History (Group)

If Notification Code = CNS:
2-digit Marketer Code
1-digit State
2-digit Rate Code
Includes
8-digit Account Number,
3-digit Sequence Number,
1-digit Account Number Check
Digit
Valid values are Notification Code
dependent
See table of valid Notification
Codes and associated Action
Codes
Unique Columbia-generated
number
yyyymmdd
Date notification is sent
“blank”
Required
Valid Notification Code:
CNS (Consumption Data)
Required
Primary, if multiple PSIDs
Group repeats up to 24 times
58
6
Num
Revenue Cycle
yyyymm
64
8
Num
Meter Reading Date
yyyymmdd
72

Additional Information
9
Num
Consumption
State-specific unit of measure
specified without decimal
For CPA: therm
When the Action Code in position 20 contains the value “3” or “4” (i.e., consumption data
Action Codes), the record includes the PSID Number followed by up to 24 groups of
consumption data
The record includes an additional three data elements for each group of consumption
data, repeating up to 24 times (see Data Elements below the bolded line)
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
32
GRP (Generated Removal Pending) Notification Code:
Position
Length
Data Type
1
2
Num
3
5
Alpha/Num
8
12
Num
Data Element Name
Company
Marketer Code
Account Number
20
1
Alpha/Num
21
9
Num
Confirmation Number
30
8
Num
Notification Date
38
8
Num
Effective Date
46
3
Alpha/Num
Notification Code
49
8
Num
Last Service Date

Additional Information
Action Code
If Notification Code = GRP:
2-digit Marketer Code
1-digit State
2-digit Rate Code
Includes
8-digit Account Number,
3-digit Sequence Number,
1-digit Account Number Check Digit
Valid values are Notification Code
dependent
See table of valid Notification Codes
and associated Action Codes
Unique Columbia-generated number
yyyymmdd
Date notification is sent
“blank”
Required
Valid Notification Code:
GRP (Generated Removal Pending)
Required
yyyymmdd (from Bill Unit)
The GRP Notification Code is generated as a result of another Marketer’s “add
customer” request
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
33
GRC (Generated Removal Canceled)Notification Code:
Position
Length
Data Type
1
2
Num
3
5
Alpha/Num
8
12
Num
Data Element Name
Company
Marketer Code
Account Number
20
1
Alpha/Num
21
9
Num
Confirmation Number
30
8
Num
Notification Date
38
8
Num
Effective Date
46
3
Alpha/Num
49
9
Num


Additional Information
Action Code
Notification Code
Confirmation Number
If Notification Code = GRC:
2-digit Marketer Code
1-digit State
2-digit Rate Code
Includes
8-digit Account Number,
3-digit Sequence Number,
1-digit Account Number Check Digit
Valid values are Notification Code
dependent
See table of valid Notification Codes
and associated Action Codes
Unique Columbia-generated number
yyyymmdd
Date notification is sent
“blank”
Required
Valid Notification Code:
GRC (Generated Removal
Cancelled)
Required
Confirmation Number of the former
GRP (Generated Removal Pending)
transaction that was canceled
The GRC Notification Code is generated as a result of another Marketer’s “cancel add
customer” request (i.e., customer rescinds Marketer offer, Marketer refuses customer
enrollment)
Position 49 contains the Confirmation Number of the Rescind transaction that was
canceled
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
34
RSC (Rescinded) Notification Code:
Position
Length
Data Type
1
2
Num
3
5
Alpha/Num
8
12
Num
Data Element Name
Company
Marketer Code
Account Number
20
1
Alpha/Num
21
9
Num
Confirmation Number
30
8
Num
Notification Date
38
8
Num
Effective Date
46
3
Alpha/Num
49
9
Num


Additional Information
Action Code
Notification Code
Confirmation Number
If Notification Code = RSC:
2-digit Marketer Code
1-digit State
2-digit Rate Code
Includes
8-digit Account Number,
3-digit Sequence Number,
1-digit Account Number Check Digit
Valid values are Notification Code
dependent
See table of valid Notification Codes
and associated Action Codes
Unique Columbia-generated number
yyyymmdd
Date notification is sent
“blank”
Required
Valid Notification Code:
RSC (Rescinded)
Required
Confirmation number of the Enroll
transaction that was canceled
The RSC Notification Code is a response to a customer’s request to rescind before the
rescind date
Position 49 contains the Confirmation Number of the Enroll transaction that was
canceled
For non-enrollment Transactions, suppliers will receive Notification Files instead of Notification
Codes. The next few pages outline those layouts. Suppliers can expect to receive files on a
daily and/or monthly basis in their FTP folders.
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
35
BIL File Format
The .BIL file will provide the meter reading and adjustment information billed by the DIS billing
system. This file may be produced every weekday if the Natural Gas Supplier has accounts in
each unit billing cycle. XXYYYMDD.BIL
The XX in the name of the file is an abbreviated three digit code to identify the Natural Gas
Supplier and the state in which they operate.
Position
Length
Data Type
Data Element Name
1
2
NUM
Record Type
3
8
NUM
Report Creation Date
11
6
NUM
Revenue Cycle (YYYYMM)
17
2
NUM
Billing Unit
19
4
NUM
Columbia Location Number
23
2
NUM
Revenue Class
25
12
NUM
PCID #
37
9
NUM
PSID #
46
33
ALPHA
Customer Name
79
33
ALPHA
Name Overflow
112
33
ALPHA/NUM
Service Address
145
20
ALPHA
City
165
2
ALPHA
State
167
9
NUM
176
3
NUM
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
Zip Code
County Code
Additional Information
Being billed that day
03 = Residential Heat
04 = Commercial Heat
05 = Residential Non Heat
08 = Commercial Non Heat
09 = Residential Air Conditioning
10 = Residential Heat & Air
Conditioning
12 = Commercial Air Conditioning
13 = Commercial Heat & Air
Conditioning
Customers 12 digit Columbia Gas
account number
Permanent Service Identification
number for the service address
A second name or “doing business
as” name if applicable
Facility Street Address
For facility
For facility
For Facility
Adams 001, Allegheny 003,
Armstrong 005, Beaver 007, Bedford
009, Butler 019, Centre 027, Clarion
031, Clearfield 033, Crawford 039,
Elk 047, Fayette 051, Franklin 055,
Fulton 057, Greene 059, Indiana 063,
Jefferson 065, Lawrence 073,
36
McKean 083, Mercer 085, Somerset
111, Venango 121, Warren 123,
Washington 125, Westmoreland 129,
York 133
179
7
NUM
186
8
ALPHA/NUM
194
4
ALPH
Calc/Read/AMR
198
8
NUM
From Date
206
8
NUM
To Date
214
8
NUM
From Reading
222
8
NUM
To Reading
230
10
NUM
Consumption in thm
240
1
ALPHA
Final Bill
241
1
ALPHA
Re-bill Code
242
20
NA
262
8
NUM
Sales tax total on current bill
270
10
NUM
Previous Balance
280
10
NUM
Total Balance of Columbia &
the Natural Gas Supplier’s
Charges
290
10
NUM
Pay this Amount
300
5
ALPHA/NUM
305
6
NUM
311
6
NUM
317
10
NUM
327
10
NUM
337
10
NUM
347
51
NA
Reserved for future use
398
8
NA
Blank
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
Taxing District
Meter #
Serial number of gas meter
Whether current bill was a result of an
estimated, actual reading, or by the
automatic meter reading device.
The date the current billing cycle
ended
The date the current billing cycle
ended
The meter reading at the beginning of
the current billing cycle
The meter reading at the end of the
current cycle
Total consumption for the current
billing cycle
Yes = Y, and No = N
Y, another bill has been sent after an
adjustment
N, this is the original bill
Filler
Applicable to both the Columbia & the
natural gas supplier charges
Natural Gas Supplier Rate
Code
Natural Gas Supplier Rate per
thm
Natural Gas Supplier Discount
Natural Gas Supplier Monies
owed to supplier from previous
billings
Natural Gas Supplier Current
Charges
Natural Gas Supplier Current
Balance
37
406
10
NUM
Columbia Customer Charge
416
10
NUM
Columbia Transportation
Charges
426
10
NUM
Supplemental Charges
436
10
NUM
Delayed Payment Penalty
446
10
NUM
Agency Handling Fee
456
1
ALPHA
Customer on Budget
457
10
NUM
467
10
NUM
477
10
NUM
487
30
NA
517
2
NUM
519
21
NA
540
9
NUM
549
9
NUM
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
Not currently being used
Yes = Y and No = N
Natural Gas Supplier Budget
Amount
Natural Gas Supplier Budget
Arrears
Natural Gas Supplier Budget
Balance
Filler
Columbia’s billing unit number
for the account
Blank
Sign +/Filler
Sign +/Filler
38
BIL Adjustment Record (15) – current month
adjustment information format below:
When a supplier receives a 15 in the record, it is due to an adjustment being made on the
customer’s account. This adjustment reflects the new dollar and volume amounts. Code 15
does not reflect the difference between the original bill and the adjusted bill. Treat code 15 as a
replacement.
Position
Length
Data Type
Data Element Name
1
2
NUM
Record Type 15
3
4
NUM
Columbia Location Number
7
9
NUM
PSID Number
Permanent Service Identification Number
16
8
NUM
PCID Number
Permanent Customer Identification Number
24
3
NUM
Customer Sequence Number
27
8
NUM
Transaction Date
35
4
ALPHA
Transaction Type
39
5
ALPHA/NUM
NGS Rate Code
44
10
NUM
Transaction Amount
54
10
NUM
Gas Cost Amount
64
8
NUM
Adjustment Period Date
72
10
NUM
Adjusted thm
82
1
NUM
Check digit number
83
10
NUM
“Add” Date
93
1
ALPHA
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
Additional Information
Adjusted customer bill
(YYYYMMDD)
CAOR = CAB adjustment, over read
CAUR = CAB adjustment, under read
CAOC = CAB adjustment, over calc’d
CAUC = CAB adjustment, under calc’d
CAAF = CAB adjustment, adjustment on final bill
CAAI = CAB adjustment, adjustment on final bill
CADM = CAB adjustment, dead meter
CAFM = CAB adjustment, fast meter
CAMA = CAB adjustment, manual adjustment
AMRA = CAB AMR adjusted reading
Sign +/Transportation Amount
Adjusted Natural Gas Supplier Charges only
Sign +/Gas Cost Amount
(YYYYMMDD)
Sign +/thm
(YYYYMMDD)
This is the date the account was added by this
supplier
Y or N
39
BIL Detail Record (9) – current month balance record
information format below:
Gas Measurement Billing information is located in the .BIL file following the .BIL Detail Record –
current month balance record information (highlighted below). GAS/GMB accounts are high
pressure accounts that bill on a one month lag.
Position
Length
Data Type
1
9
NUM
10
6
NUM
16
12
NUM
28
29
NA
57
2
NUM
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
Data Element Name
Balance Record Indicator
Sign +/Record Count
Sign +/Total Account Balance
Additional Information
All nines
Last two digits are decimal $xx.xx
Filler
Balance Record Indicator
All nines
40
DET File Format
The .DET file provides a detailed summary of all billing and adjustment activity during each
billing cycle.
There are 4 record types that can be in each DET file.
 Detail record
 Adjustment detail record
 Control total record
 Customer # record
All numeric fields are defined as signed unpacked numbers. This allows us to retain negative
values in the numeric fields.
A conversion chart of values for signed unpacked numbers are below.
Conversion Chart
A
=
1
J
=
-1
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
{
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
}
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
-2
-3
-4
-5
-6
-7
-8
-9
-0
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
41
DET FILE – Detail Record
Position
Length
Data Type
1
1
NUM
Record Type 1
2
2
NUM
Company
4
11
NUM
PCID and Sequence Number
15
1
NUM
PCID CK Digit Number
16
5
ALPHA/NUM
21
3
NUM
24
1
ALPHA
25
9
NUM
NGS current month DTH
34
9
NUM
NGS adjustment Dth
43
9
NUM
Total Dth
52
9
ALPHA/NUM
NGS Current Month Gas Cost
61
9
ALPHA/NUM
NGS Adjustment Gas Cost
70
9
ALPHA/NUM
Total Gas Cost
79
9
ALPHA/NUM
State Tax Current Month
88
9
ALPHA/NUM
State Tax Adjustment
97
11
ALPHA/NUM
Total Tax
State tax current month +
State tax adj.
108
10
ALPHA/NUM
Grand Total
Total gas cost + total tax
119
8
N/A
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
Data Element Name
Additional Information
Marketer Code
County Code
Revenue Class
Residential or Commercial
NGS Current Month DTH +
NGS adj Dth
NGS Current month gas
cost + NGS adj gas cost
Blank
42
REV File Format
This report provides the NGS’s prior month billed revenue. The report provides details by supplier rate
code and a summary page. The file is posted to the FTP on the first business day of each month.
The report provides detail on the purchased receivables and the supplier payment for NGS that
participate in the accounts receivable purchase program (POR),
Total MKT payment is the payment amount prior to any offsetting charges (Demand curve noncompliance charges, adjustments, or any other miscellaneous charges) that will be made to the NGS by
the 20th of each month.
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
43
RAC (Rate Request) File Format
The RAC file is a request file used to submit marketer rate codes and dollar values via the FTP Web Site.
The RAC File will allow marketer rate submissions on a daily basis starting on the 21st of one month and
ending on the 20th of the following month. Dollar values can be changed for the same marketer code
throughout the submission period. The last dollar value for a marketer code received and accepted by
Columbia will be the dollar value used for billing starting with unit 1 of the effective month.
Position
Length
Data Type
Data Element Name
1
5
ALPHA/NUM
MARKETER RATE
CODE
6
2
NA
8


7
NUM
Additional Information
5 CHARACTERS
FILLER
NEW DOLLAR
VALUE (dth)
XX.XXXX DOLLAR
FORMAT
7 character field
and must be
entered with a
decimal point
between the dollars
and cents. All
characters must be
entered.
If the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday, the submission period ends on the previous business day.
If the 21st falls on a weekend or holiday, the submission period starts on the next business day.
NOTE:
A “clean” XX.RAC file will be posted daily.
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
44
RAC1 File Format
The RAC1 file contains preliminary accepted marketer rate codes and dollar values from the RAC file that
was uploaded the previous business day and are to be effective for the corresponding month’s unit 1
billing. In addition, the RAC1 file will contain the last billed dollar value for the marketer rate codes that
were submitted during the submission period.
Position
Length
Data Type
1
5
ALPHA/NUM
6
2
NA
8
7
NUM
15
2
NA
17
6
NUM
23
2
NA
25
3
NUM
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
Data Element Name
MARKETER RATE CODE
Additional Information
5 CHARACTERS
FILLER
NEW DOLLAR VALUE (dth)
XX.XXXX DOLLAR FORMAT
FILLER
EFFECTIVE DATE
(YYYYMM)
FILLER
LAST BILLED DOLLAR
VALUE (dth)
XX.XXXX DOLLAR FORMAT
45
RAC2 File Format
The RAC2 File is generated on the last day of the marketer rate code submission period, normally
calendar day 20, and will reflect the marketer rate codes and dollar values to be used for customer billing
starting with unit 1 billing for the effective month. The RAC2 File can be used as pre bill verification for
new rates.
Position
Length
Data Type
1
5
ALPHA/NUM
6
2
NA
8
7
NUM
15
2
NA
17
6
NUM
Data Element Name
MARKETER RATE CODE
Additional Information
5 CHARACTERS
FILLER
NEW DOLLAR VALUE (dth)
XX.XXXX DOLLAR FORMAT
FILLER
EFFECTIVE DATE
(YYYYMM)
NOTE – Marketer rate codes and dollar values can be changed throughout the submission period which
starts on the 21st of one month through the 20th of the following month.
It is recommended that all marketer rate value submissions be sent to Columbia by the 19th of the
month. This will allow one day to submit any final corrections on the 20th prior to Unit 1 billing of the
effective month.
Marketer rate codes and/or dollar values submitted on the last day of the submission period that are
rejected, cannot be corrected and will not be used for unit 1 billing of the effective month. If the 20th falls
on a weekend/holiday, then the submission period ends on the previous business day. If the 21st falls on
a weekend/holiday, then the submission period starts on the next business day.
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
46
Rate File Format
This report provides active rate codes and the associated price value per unit of measure for each billing
cycle. This report is available the 2nd business day of each month.
Position
Length
Data Type
1
48
NA
49
17
ALPHA
66
7
NUM
73
7
NA
80
37
ALPHA
117
5
ALPHA/NUM
122
5
NA
127
8
NUM
135
4
NA
139
10
NUM
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
Data Element Name
Additional Information
Filler
Company
Billing Cycle
(Month/Year)
Filler
Marketer Name
Marketer Rate Code
Filler
Rate Effective Date
Filler
Price Value
(MCF)
47
RERR FILE
A daily file that reflects the marketer rate codes and/or dollar values that rejected from the RAC that was
uploaded the previous business day. If rate is left uncorrected it will not update, however if the rate is
corrected it will post in the RAC1 file. It is the supplier’s responsibility to ensure that their rate
requests are posted as expected.
Position
Length
Data Type
1
5
ALPHA NUM
6
2
NA
8
7
NUM
15
2
NA
17
4
ALPHA NUM
21
2
NA
23
39
ALPHA
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
Data Element Name
MARKETER RATE CODE
Additional Information
5 Characters.
FILLER
DOLLAR VALUE (dth)
XX.XXXX (DOLLAR FORMAT)
FILLER
AUDIT ERROR CODE
SEE AUDIT/ERROR CODES AND
DESCRIPTIONS
FILLER
AUDIT ERROR
DESCRIPTION
SEE AUDIT/ERROR CODES AND
DESCRIPTIONS
48
NOP File Format
The NOP file provides information to suppliers about customer accounts that have been issued a pending
termination notice for non-payment or non-access to the meter.
Position
Length
Data Type
Data Element Name
1
5
ALPHA/NUM
6
2
NUM
COMPANY NUMBER
8
4
NUM
LOCATION NUMBER
12
8
NUM
CUSTOMER PCID NUMBER
20
3
NUM
23
1
NUM
24
9
NUM
CUSTOMER PSID NUMBER
33
2
NUM
UNIT NUMBER
The unit of the billing cycle
35
2
NUM
BOOK NUMBER
The book of the unit for the billing cycle.
ACCOUNT STATUS CODE
B = Active Account
C = Active Delinquent
D = Active account, shut off for non pay
F = Final, Actual Read
V = Active Account, Shut off for access
All Zeros
MARKETER RATE CODE
1
ALPHA
38
8
NUM
Filler
46
2
NUM
Revenue Class Code
48
33
ALPHA
81
9
NUM
6
ALPHA
95
5
ALPHA/NUM
100
8
NA
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
An internal Columbia tracking number
based on the area office that serves the
customer.
CUSTOMER PCID
SEQUENCE NUMBER
CUSTOMER CHECK DIGIT
NUMBER
37
89
Additional Information
Customer Name
Date of Transaction
Date the notice occurred
Term Notice
CCTNNP = customer receives a 10 day
disconnection notice for non payment of
arrears.
CCTNFA = customer receives a 10
disconnection notice for failure to grant
Columbia access to the meter for 12
months or longer
Five digit Marketer Rate Code
Filler
Zeros
49
DMD File – Steps to import into excel
To import the. DMD comma delimited file into excel, follow these steps.









Move the .DMD file to your hard drive
Open Excel
Open the .DMD file – Should bring up the import Wizard
Import Wizard – Step 1
o Radial button – Delimited (default)
o Select Next
Import Wizard – Step 2
o Delimiters – Select Comma
o Remove any other selected Delimiters
Select Next
Import Wizard – Step 3
Column Data Format
o Select Text
Select Finish
File should now be in spreadsheet format
Save the file.
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
50
Demand Curve Report
Report 1 Calendar Month Report provides the normalized quantities for the current group of
customers based on their actual historical consumption. Quantities on this report are increased
for retainage and decreased for customer attrition.
Report 2 Billing Month Report provides he normalized billing month quantities based on
actual historical information. Columbia bills the customer on billing cycles and marketers deliver
on calendar months. This report reflects that difference. Quantities on this report are increased
for retainage and decreased for customer attrition.
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
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51
Report 3 Dth Summary Report provides number of customers, operational information, daily
and annual quantities.
Note: The quantities on all reports include unaccounted for quantities, hence they represent
quantities at the city gate. Report 3 shows the unaccounted for factor.
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
52
DIS File Format
The DIS file shows the customers who have been disconnected and are inactive in our billing
system. It also reports accounts removed from Choice due to the CAP program.
Upon receiving an account in this file, the natural gas supplier should check with the customer
to validate the activity on the account.
To receive a DIS file the customer would have taken one or more of the following actions:



Re-established an account at a new address
Changed ownership
Move out of the Columbia Service Territory
Position
Length
Data Type
1
5
ALPHA/NUM
6
2
NUM
Company Number
8
4
NUM
Location Number
12
8
NUM
PCID Account Number
20
3
NUM
Customer Sequence Number
23
1
NUM
Customer Check Digit Number
24
9
NUM
PSID Number – Permanent
Service Identification Number
33
2
NUM
Unit Number
35
2
NUM
Book Number
37
1
ALPHA
38
8
NUM
46
2
ALPHA
Revenue Class Code
48
33
ALPHA
Customer Name
81
8
NUM
Customer Activity Date
Format - yyyymmdd
89
4
ALPHA
Customer Activity Type
The transaction code from the CPA
billing system, internal use
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
Data Element Name
Additional Information
Natural Gas Supplier Rate
Code
01 through 21 unit numbers
Account Status Code
Disconnect Date
Format - yyyymmdd
53
ACT File
The ACT file provides all the established accounts for a Natural Gas Supplier as of Unit 21.
Customers listed on the ACT file are scheduled to flow gas with their active supplier. This file
can be used to build a customer database or to verify the information contained in a Natural Gas
Suppliers Database.
ACT Files are automatically created monthly and posted to the NGS FTP site at no charge.
Position
Length
Data Type
1
8
NUM
PCID Account Number
9
1
NUM
Customer Sequence Number
12
1
NUM
Check Digit
13
33
ALPHA
46
33
ALPHA/NUM
79
39
ALPHA/NUM
118
5
ALPHA/NUM
123
8
NUM
131
1
ALPHA
132
2
NUM
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
Data Element Name
Customer Name
Additional Information
First and Last
Service Street Address
Service Address: City, State,
Zip Code, Postal Route
Natural Gas Supplier Rate
Code
5 digits
Setup Date
YYYYMMDD
Budget Indicator
Y or N
Billing Unit
54
CPA Solicitation List Layout
Columbia Gas makes available an eligible Customer List to Certified Natural Gas Suppliers at
www.columbiasuppliers.com. Suppliers must log in by using their eFTP user ID and password.
Position
Length
Data Type
1
1
NA
2
1
ALPHA
3
3
NA
6
1
ALPHA
7
3
NA
10
33
ALPHA/NUM
43
3
NA
46
20
ALPHA
66
3
NA
69
2
ALPHA
71
3
NA
74
5
NUM
79
3
NA
82
4
NUM
86
3
NA
89
33
ALPHA/NUM
122
3
NA
125
33
ALPHA/NUM
158
3
NA
161
20
ALPHA
181
3
NA
184
2
ALPHA
186
3
NA
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
Data Element Name
Additional Information
Filler
Revenue Class
R or C
Filler
Heat Code
Filler
Service Address
Filler
Service Address City
Filler
Service Address State
Filler
Service Address Zip Code
Filler
Service Address Postal Rte
Number
Filler
Mailing Address
Filler
Mailing Address Overflow
Filler
Mailing Address City
Filler
Mailing Address State
Filler
55
189-193
5
NUM
194-196
3
NA
197-200
4
NUM
201-203
3
NA
204-215
12
ALPHA
216-218
3
NA
219
1
ALPHA
220-222
3
NA
223-242
20
ALPHA
243-245
3
NA
246-278
33
ALPHA
279-281
3
NA
282-314
33
ALPHA
315-317
3
NA
318-319
2
NUM
320-322
3
NA
323-324
2
NUM
325-327
3
NA
328-330
3
ALPHA NUM
331-333
3
NA
334-341
8
NUM
342-344
3
NA
345-347
3
NUM
348-350
3
NA
351
1
NUM
352-354
3
NA
355-363
9
NUM
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
Mailing Address Zip Code
Filler
Mailing Address Postal Rte
Number
Filler
Customer First Name
Filler
Customer Middle Initial
Filler
Customer Last Name
Filler
Business Name
Filler
Business Name Overflow
Filler
Revenue Class Number
Filler
Revenue Class Extension
Filler
Rate Schedule
Filler
PCID Number
Filler
Customer Number
Filler
Sequence Number
Filler
PSID Number
56
364-366
3
NA
367
1
ALPHA
368-370
3
NA
371-379
9
NUM
380-382
3
NA
383-388
6
NUM
389-391
3
NA
392-400
9
NUM
401-403
3
NA
404-409
6
NUM
410-412
3
NA
413-421
9
NUM
422-424
3
NA
425-430
6
NUM
431-433
3
NA
434-442
9
NUM
443-445
3
NA
446-451
6
NUM
452-454
3
NA
455-463
9
NUM
464-466
3
NA
467-472
6
NUM
473-475
3
NA
476-484
9
NUM
485-487
3
NA
488-493
6
NUM
494-496
3
NA
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
Filler
Taxable Y or N
Filler
Current Month Consumption
All consumption expressed
in Therms
Filler
Current Month Cycle
Filler
Current Month-1
In Therms
Filler
Current Month
1 Cycle
Filler
Current Month 2
Filler
Current Month 2 Cycle
Filler
Current Month 3
consumption in thm
Filler
Current Month 3 Cycle
Filler
Current Month 4
Consumption in thm
Filler
Current Month 4 Cycle
Filler
Current Month 5
Consumption in thm
Filler
Current Month 5 Cycle
Filler
57
497-505
9
NUM
506-508
3
NA
509-514
6
NUM
515-517
3
NA
518-526
9
NUM
527-529
3
NA
530-535
6
NUM
536-538
3
NA
539-547
9
NUM
548-550
3
NA
551-556
6
NUM
557-559
3
NA
560-568
9
NUM
569-571
3
NA
572-577
6
NUM
578-580
3
NA
581-589
9
NUM
590-592
3
NA
593-598
6
NUM
599-601
3
NA
602-610
9
NUM
611-613
3
NA
614-619
6
NUM
620-622
3
NA
623-631
9
NUM
632-640
9
NA
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
Current Month 6
Consumption in thm
Filler
Current Month 6 Cycle
Filler
Current Month - 7
Consumption in thm
Filler
Current Month – 7 Cyce
Filler
Current Month – 8
Consumption in thm
Filler
Current Month 8 Cycle
Filler
Current Month 9
Consumption in thm
Filler
Current Month 9 Cycle
Filler
Current Month 10
Consumption in thm
Filler
Current Month 10 Cycle
Filler
Current Month 11
Consumption in thm
Filler
Current Month 11 Cycle
Filler
Annual Consumption
Consumption in thm
Filler
58
Section 5:
Capacity and Delivery Requirements
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
59
Pipeline Scheduling Point
The NGS must have one or more Choice Aggregation Nomination Group (PSP) with an
aggregate annual demand of at least 53,650 thms or a minimum of 50 customers. A list of the
Pipeline Scheduling Points is listed below.
Pipeline Scheduling Point (PSP)
Bedford
Lancaster
New Castle
Olean
PA/WV MISC
Pittsburgh
Rimersburg
25-26
25E-25A
25-39
25-36A
25-40
25-35A
25-38
How to locate nom group numbers for new customer enrollments
1.) Gather the customer account zip code information
2.) Use the zip code listing provided at www.choicesuppliers.com to locate the city and zip
code (to determine the correct PSP location).
3.) Compare PSP from Zip code listing to marketer set up sheet to get the assigned 7 digit
nom group number.
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
60
CHOICE Capacity Requirements
NOTE: Capacity Assignment is Mandatory in CPA
 Firm Capacity Requirement
o
o
NGS shall utilize Primary FTS
NGS shall hold capacity in an amount equal to or greater than the Choice
Primary FTS Daily Capacity Requirement for each Choice Aggregation
Nomination Group
 Primary FTS Daily Capacity Requirement = equal to the Choice Nom
Group estimated normalized annual usage divided by 365, converted to
dth (using annual average btu) and adjusted for Columbia use and
retainage.
 Primary FTS Capacity Assignment
o
o
o
o
o
o
NGS must accept the assignment or release of Primary FTS capacity from
Columbia except as provided below.
 Capacity assignment – NGS must accept capacity assignment or release
on a recallable basis at maximum rates of Columbia Primary FTS equal to
Choice Primary FTS Daily Capacity Requirement for each Nom Group
 Columbia reserves the right to adjust capacity assignments on an asneeded basis as customers are removed from Choice service.
NGS agrees to make daily deliveries through the assigned capacity without
regard to the loss of customers.
NGS accepts the assignment or release of either TCO and Columbia Gulf or
TCO capacity only.
TCO FTS capacity is equal to the Choice Primary FTS Daily Capacity
Requirement.
Columbia Gulf Rate Schedule FTS-1 capacity to be assigned or released is
based upon the assigned Rate FTS capacity increased for applicable pipeline
fuel.
Company shall release this capacity on a recallable basis
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
61
 Other Primary FTS Option:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
NGS may have the option to provide some or all Primary FTS capacity from
some other source for a period of one year.
NGS providing Other Primary FTS is required to obtain and maintain capacity
resources sufficient to deliver natural gas equal to its Choice Primary FTS Daily
Capacity Requirements each day during the effective period of its capacity option
election
Cumulative Other Primary FTS of NGS’s may not exceed the Additional Capacity
Resource Requirements (ACRR) the Company may require in any year
Beginning October 2005, an NGS must make a timely annual service election
Company will notify all NGSs of the ACRR no later than April 1 of each year
NGSs interested in providing firm capacity must notify the Company by June 1, in
writing, of its desire to provide capacity, not to exceed the Choice Primary FTS
Daily Capacity Requirement for the NGS Choice Aggregation Nomination Group
Company will inform NGS within 45 days of NGS’ eligibility status and the
amount of Other Primary FTS to be provided by the NGS
 Elections will be accepted on a first come first serve basis
 Eligibility will be based on the status of the NGS’ aggregation agreement
and its compliance to the agreement
 Annual election of Other Primary FTS is effective from the following
November 1 through October 1
 NGS providing capacity under this option shall not be required to take
assignment or release of the Company’s Primary FTS as otherwise
required
 NGS will at all times be responsible for operating the assigned capacity
consistent with the terms and conditions set forth in the tariffs of the
Company and the applicable pipeline company
 Insufficient Capacity
o
In the event Columbia has reason to believe that the NGS has insufficient
Primary FTS to serve its customers, Columbia may take commercially
reasonable steps to attempt to verify that the Primary FTS contract rights exists.
(paragraph 4.8.6)
 Company may require NGS to demonstrate in writing that the NGS has
under contract sufficient firm capacity
 Failure to demonstrate sufficient Other Primary FTS capacity was held
shall subject the NGS to bear its respective share of any and all costs
incurred by the Company as a result of the NGS’ failure
Per the CPA Tariff page 226 paragraph 4.3.3, Capacity Assignment election can be
changed annually by submitting a new NGS Choice Distribution Aggregation
Agreement by Jan. 1 to be effective April 1.
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
62
Daily Delivery Requirements (DDR)
Daily Delivery Requirements (DDR) shall be calculated by Columbia by determining the
estimate of the normalized annual consumption of all Customers that will be in the Marketer’s
Aggregation Pool during the following month, and dividing that aggregate sum by 365. Columbia
shall convert the quotient to a Dth basis using Columbia’s annual average Btu content, and shall
adjust for Company use and Retainage. The resultant quantity shall be the Daily Delivery
Requirement for the Choice Aggregation Nomination Group.
Demand Curves are posted on the columbiagaschoice.com website in a comma delimited
format.
Main Points:










Flow gas by calendar month - Receive payment by billing month.
Expect more deliveries than collections October-January.
Increasing Apparent Gas Banks and Negative Cash Flow in the fall.
Expect more collections than deliveries February-April.
Decreasing Apparent Gas Banks and Positive Cash Flow in the spring.
Columbia may adjust the DDR in the months of May and June to meet operational
needs.
Flow according to DDR Flat Demand
Marketers required to deliver gas supplies to Columbia at the Primary Firm City Gate
Delivery Points designated in the Marketer’s assigned firm transportation capacity on a
daily basis.
Demand Curves posted on or before the 20th of each month.
Deliveries based on 62-degree F
Non Compliance Charges to the DDR


Non SFO, OFO OMO days- Failure to deliver according to the demand curve
requirements will result in the marketer being charged a fee of $2.33 per thm/$23.30 per
dth plus all other charges or costs incurred by Columbia as a result of the failure to
deliver as required.
SFO, OFO or OMO days- noncompliance charge will be $4.66 per thm/$46.60 per dth.
In addition, the NGS will be responsible for the payment of all other charges incurred by
Columbia that result from the NGS’ failure to deliver as required.
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
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Section 6:
Customer Billing & Rates
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
64
Billing Options
Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania allows the NGS to choose from two billing options in rendering a
bill to a participating Choice customer. The NGS can opt for dual or consolidated billing. The
billing option must be selected at the time the NGS signs the Choice Distribution Aggregation
Agreement. This election can be changed annually. If an NGS chooses the consolidated billing
option, the Purchase of Receivables Agreement is required to be executed.




Consolidated billing
o Columbia bills both gas and transportation costs.

Dual Billing
o Supplier bills gas costs.
o Columbia bills transportation costs.
POR program is mandatory for supplier using Columbia’s consolidated billing to be eligible
for POR. Consolidated billing is mandatory for residential accounts.
Suppliers with commercial distribution accounts that want consolidated billing must
participate in POR.
A supplier with commercial customers has the option to choose dual or consolidated billing,
or a combination of both.
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
65
Timeline for Rate Codes

On the 2nd business day each month Columbia provides a .RATE file which provides a
summary of all prior month rate codes and dollar values.

Natural Gas Supplier has until the 20th of the month to submit any changes and/or add
rates for new Rate Codes
Example:
Natural Gas Supplier has three accounts to flow gas on May 1st:
May: 12345678-001-8
XXX03
$3.30
15678912-002-7
XXX03
$3.30
14789123-001-2
XXX03
$3.30
Customer #2 negotiates a different rate ($2.00/Dth) for the month of June. Using an
established rate code XXX01, this is how the change would appear for June:
June: 12345678-001-8
15678912-002-7
14789123-001-2
XXX03
XXX01
XXX03
$3.30
$2.00
$3.30
Natural Gas Supplier Submitted the #2 account through the .REQ file using a “5” code to
change the rate code.
Note: Changing the rate code XXX03 to $2.00 would have affected all three accounts.
The XXX03 is a variable rate that the Natural Gas Supplier wishes to change in July.
In order for the Natural Gas Supplier to affect the July billings for customer 1 and 3, the
Natural Gas Supplier must submit a Rate Statement for a rate code change to XXX03 by
June 20th. (Proposed new amount to be $2.95/DTH)
July: 12345678-001-8
15678912-002-7
14789123-001-2
XXX03
XXX01
XXX03
$2.95
$2.00
$2.95
Please note: No change to .REQ file was needed.
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
66
New Rate Code Process
Establishing a new rate code:

Supplier must email their Choice Specialist a minimum of 45 days prior to the flow month
(ex: requested by 5/15 available 7/1) Dollar values must be submitted at the time of the
request for new rate codes to prevent an account being added to a rate code that has no
dollar value attached. Once the rate code has been created, if the dollar value needs to
be changed, this can be done using the automated rate entry process by the 20th of the
month.

Suppliers may request 5 new rate codes at a time, and should use existing rate codes
before requesting additional rate codes. There is a lifetime max of 50 rate codes per
Supplier.
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
67
Rate Changes to Existing Rates
The XX.RAC file is an automated process utilized by the Natural Gas Supplier to change the
price point attached to their NGS rate codes. New rate information can be submitted from the
21st of the current month through the 20th of the following month. The information is due by 5:00
pm EST. There is one exception to the automated process, Natural Gas Supplier rate codes
that have never had a dollar value assigned will need to be submitted manually via the current
manual process.
If the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday, the submission period ends on the previous business
day. If the 21stfalls on a weekend or holiday the submission period starts the next business day.
An “empty” XX.RAC file is posted daily. We recommend all rate value submissions are
sent to Columbia by the 19th of the month. This will allow one day to submit any final
corrections prior to unit 1 billing
•
•
The NGS will receive either a .RAC1 or a .RERR file that provides the rates that
were preliminarily accepted or rejected from the XX.RAC file uploaded the previous
business day.
On the 21st the NGS will receive a .RAC2. The .RAC2, final acceptance file provides
the rate values that will be used for customer billing starting with unit 1 for the
effective month. The .RAC2 file will replace the hard copy pre-bills that are normally
sent. The exception will be NGS rate code changes that are submitted manually.
Hard copy pre-bills will still be sent for them.
Note: Marketer rate codes and/or dollar values submitted on the last day of the submission
period, normally calendar day 20, that are rejected cannot be corrected and will not be used for
unit 1 billing of the effective month.
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
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Section 7:
Supplier Invoicing and Annual
Reconciliation
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
69
Natural Gas Supplier Invoicing
Monthly Billing

The NGS delivers gas on a daily basis and the customers are billed on a 21 unit billing
cycle. After all meters have been read or calculated and nominations have been confirmed,
the process for billing the NGS begins.

If the NGS participates in the Purchase of Receivables Program, the Receivables credit
amount will appear on the invoice. Adjustment will be processed to reflect any amount
owed to Columbia which will be withheld from the Receivables.

Payment will be made to the NGS by the 20th of each month’s for the prior month billing.
Annual Reconciliation

Columbia annually reconciles and cashes-out the difference between the actual
consumption of each Choice Aggregation Nomination Group and the NGS’s deliveries. The
reconciliation and cash-out amount shall be calculated annually following each July billing
cycle. If the imbalance is negative, the NGS must purchase the deficient volume for
Columbia at the weighted average cost of gas, defined as the quotient of (1) the total
commodity cost of gas purchases, including transmission pipeline transportation and the fuel
retention for the twelve months ending the preceding June 30, divided by (2) tariff sales for
the same twelve month period. If the imbalance is positive, Columbia will purchase the
excess volume from the NGS at the same price described above.
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
70
Bill Image Sample
COLUMBIA GAS OF PA REFERENCE MANAUAL
NOVEMBER 2015
71
Annual Reconciliation
Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania Choice Program
Annual True-up of Quantities
Columbia of Pennsylvania reads meters and bills customers on a billing month basis. The first
billing cycle is read just prior to the first day of the month and represents gas consumed, for the
most part, in the previous month. The final billing cycle is processed near the end of the month
and represents gas consumed primarily in the current month. This is why the billed portions of
the current month are represented by the lower left triangle in each calendar month. The upper
right triangles represent the unbilled portion of the month, i.e. gas that was consumed but not
billed.
The illustrations below show calendar months as rectangles and billing months as
parallelograms. Billing months can also be thought of as the previous months unbilled
quantities (upper triangle) plus the current months billed quantities (lower triangle).
Billing Month
Calendar Month
Payments for the program year are made by billing months as represented below. They include
compensation for gas delivered during the unbilled portion of July last year, but not for the
unbilled portion of July this year. This represents 12 full months of consumption.
July
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Annual Reconciliation (continued)
Natural Gas Suppliers deliver gas by calendar months as represented below. Current year
deliveries represent 12 full months of consumption. These deliveries are designed to cover gas
consumed for the calendar months of August – July. The unbilled portion of last July was
supplied in the previous calendar year. That is why the true up must leave a positive imbalance
for July 31 – the balance is there to cover consumption that occurred during July, but was not
billed. If the imbalances were adjusted to zero, Columbia would be returning gas to the
marketers that was consumed by their customers, but not yet billed. Payments for this
imbalance gas will be included in your August payment.
July
July
Previous Program year
Current Program year
Please note the imbalance due to unbilled quantities is illusionary. Gas is burned the day it is
delivered. There is no physical gas in the bank. The imbalance is positive because it is the
difference between deliveries and payments, not between deliveries and consumption.
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Bill Image – Annual Reconciliation
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Section 8:
Aviator, Concern Database, and EPayment
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Accessing the GTS Bill Viewer
Choice NGS can access their Choice invoices for their company through the
Aviator website (www.ldcaviator.com). This allows the NGS easy access to view
their invoices 24 hours a day. You must request an access code from your Choice
Analyst
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Accessing the GTS Bill Viewer (Continued)
•
•
To Access GTS Bill/Viewer:
o Click on the GTS Bill Viewer tab
To view the Invoice
o Enter the Invoice Group number and the Access Code, then click Submit.
o The Invoice Group Name will be displayed in the Account Verification field.
After five unsuccessful attempts to log in with an incorrect Account Group /
Access Code the account will be locked. If a user is not authorized, a message
will appear stating user is not authorized to view invoices.
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Accessing the GTS Bill Viewer (Continued)
•
•
Click yes to verify the account information is correct.
o The Billing Month Grid will be displayed.
Select a billing month hyperlink in the Select Bill Month grid.
o Adobe Reader will be launched displaying the invoice in .pdf format.
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Dispute Resolution
Refer to Section 4.14 COMPLAINT HANDLING PROCESS located in the Tariff – Rules
Applicable to Distribution Service in the Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania Tariff.
Each Natural Gas Supplier shall cooperate with Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania and the
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to answer inquiries and resolve disputes:

The Natural Gas Supplier is responsible for resolving disputes with customer.

The customer’s contract is between the customer and the approved participating
CHOICE Natural Gas Supplier.

It is the Natural Gas Supplier’s responsibility to manage the contractual relationship with
the customer.
Customer Concern Database
The Customer Concern Database is an automated process using Aviator to move and store
information about customer issues. The database can be used for concerns raised by both
Choice and GTS customers. It is viewed by Columbia and the Marketer. The site is password
protected. Each person responsible for monitoring the Concern Database will be assigned a
User ID and password.
Benefits to the Marketer include, but are not limited to:







automated electronic process
increase efficiency and lower processing costs
happier customers due to the speed of the responses
ability to view all information about the customer concern
status of all customer concerns easily available
automatic three-day reminder message
password protected so the Marketer knows the concerns of its own customers
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Customer Concern Database (continued)
NGS are encouraged to check the database daily, as there is a three day response time.



Access the Aviator site @ www.ldcaviator.com
Log in using your assigned USERID and Password
Click on the Choice Concerns Hyperlink at the top of the page
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Customer Concern Database (continued)
The NGS will have two options displayed from the drop down menu

The Concern List screen provides a listing of concerns. This screen will default to active
concerns which need attention based upon its status. New concerns will be highlighted
in yellow and after three days, if not completed, the concerns will be highlighted in red.

The Reports screen allows users to generate reports based upon predefined criteria.
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Customer Concern Database (continued)

Click on the ID of the concern in the Waiting for Marketer status and access the
Concern Details screen.

Review the customer concern and expectations for resolution.
o To navigate away from the page without saving the data entered, click Return

Enter a response in the Response Form field.

Click Send Response to electronically return the concern and go back to the Concern
List screen.

The response will be returned and the concern status will be updated to Waiting on
Nisource/Commission
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Customer Concern Database (continued)

To access reports select: Choice Concerns/Reports

The Concerns Reports screen allows users to generate reports based upon predefined
criteria. Multiple columns can be selected using
(CTRL-Click).

Reports can be opened in an Excel format. The report must be run before it can be
exported.

Additionally, if using IE7 or IE8, automatic prompting for downloads must be checked in
Internet Options for this functionality to work properly.



Default filters are displayed.
Click Run to display results.
Click Export to open in Excel format.
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E-payment
Highlights



Choice suppliers have the ability to make payments online using electronic checks in aviator via
Fiserv.
Bill Master access gives suppliers the ability to add/remove internal users that make payments.
There is a $1.50 convenience fee per transaction, with a dollar limit of $99,999.00. Suppliers can pay
multiple invoices with separate checking accounts. Suppliers cannot pay more than 2 payments in a
day using the same checking account for more than 1 invoice.
Initial Access and Set up




If a supplier already has an Aviator ID and access:
o Submit GTS Bill master form to Choice Specialist to receive access code (See forms below,
forms can be found in the forms section of www.columbiasuppliers.com website).
If a supplier does not have an Aviator ID and access code:
o The supplier must submit a marketer invoice access form, and the electronic payment access
form. The invoice access form gives the supplier access to bill viewer (see page 79).
Completed access forms must be sent to your Choice Specialist via email, mail or fax.
Suppliers will receive confirmation via email from aviator. The notice will contain their aviator ID and
password.
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Making a Payment


Log in to Aviator
Choose GTS Bill viewer
Note: Suppliers can access aviator from the Columbia supplier’s website.



Input invoice group number and access code provided during initial set up.
Select Submit
You will be prompted to Verify that the correct invoice is listed by
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
Select yes or no
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

After verifying the invoice a list of previous and the current invoices will be displayed.
You will notice the current amount due, and the option to “pay invoice”

A text box will appear verifying if the user wants the confirmation email sent to the email
address listed on the previous page. If not, supplier can update here.
Select OK

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



Supplier will be forwarded to the Fiserv Bill payment Website
Enter the amount to be paid
$1.50 convenience fee is then applied
If this is the first time making an online payment, select electronic check.

Enter required checking information for the first payment. The first name on bank account is
not a required field.
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


After Checking account information is entered a summary screen will appear.
Select yes to accept fee
Select authorize.

Lastly, a confirmation screen will appear and supplier will be sent an email confirmation.
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User Profile Screen
Screen is used to add/update users and their information.



Bill Master/supplier will log in to aviator with their aviator ID
Supplier will be prompted to the GTS invoice company details page
There will be a list of invoices assigned to the supplier and a list users authorized to make
payments.
Note: If the user has made a payment before, select the checking account on file. The drop
down will provide the most recent checking account used in the past 12 months. If the user has
entered a new checking account to replace an existing account, the drop down will only display
the previous account.
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Section 9:
Appendix
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Glossary of Terms
Equalizing a shipper’s receipts of gas into a pipeline with withdrawals out of
a pipeline system. Balancing may be accomplished daily, monthly or
seasonally, with penalties assessed for excessive transportation imbalance.
BTU
A btu, British Thermal Unit, is the amount of heat required to raise the
temperature of one (1) pound of water from 60 degrees Fahrenheit to 61
degrees Fahrenheit at a constant pressure of 14.73 psi.
Capacity
Total volume of gas that can flow through a pipeline over a given period of
time, considering factors such as pipeline diameter, pressure, and time
interval.
Capacity
The ability to reassign interstate pipeline capacity to other entities on a nonAssignment discriminatory basis. A shipper with excess capacity could relinquish space
back to the pipeline for it to resell.
Daily
Quantities of transported gas (Dth/Day) to be delivered by interstate pipeline
Scheduled at Shipper’s direction for Shipper’s account, after retainage of interstate
Quantities pipeline’s company use and unaccounted for quantities.
Firm
The highest quality sales or transmission service offered to customers under
Service
a filed rate schedule which anticipates no planned interruption.
FTS
Firm Transportation Service from Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation.
Human
A term used in curtailment plans to describe those customers relying upon
Needs
natural gas for heat for the protection of life: residences, nursing homes,
hospitals, hotels, etc.
Imbalance The difference between the Scheduled Quantities and the Actual Tendered
Quantity.
Peak Day
The highest usage day during the winter season; a 24 hour period of delivery
greater than any other day.
PGA
Purchased gas adjustment (PGA), a provision of regulatory rules permitting a
gas company to recover in customer bills on a dollar-for-dollar basis, the
amount it pays in purchase costs for the gas supplied to a customer.
POR
Purchase of Receivables Agreement between the NGS and Columbia
whereby Columbia purchases residential at 98.5% and commercial at
99.49% of the NGS gas cost that it billed to the customers. (In CPA this is
currently optional, but required, if Option 2 Consolidated Billing is chosen.)
Storage
Typically, depleted gas wells used to store gas which has been transferred
from its original location.
Summer
That part of a contract year from the beginning of April through the end of
Season
October.
Winter
That part of a contract year from the beginning of November through the end
Season
of the following March.
Balancing
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Acronyms
BCF
BCS
CPA
DIS
DTH
FSS
FT
FT-1
FTS
GAS/GMB
GTS
HDD
LIFO
NGS
PSIA
PSP
PUC
SCQ
SST
TCO
THM
One Billion Cubic Feet
Bureau of Consumer Services
Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania
Distributive Information System - low Pressure Accounts billed in the
same month
Dekatherm (Ten Therms, One Million Btu’s)
Firm Storage Service
Firm Transportation
Firm Transportation - 1
Firm Transportation Service (tariff)
Gas Measurement Billing - high pressure accounts billed on a one
month lag
Gas Transportation Service
Heating Degree Day
Last In First Out
Natural Gas Supplier
Pounds per Square Inch Absolute
Pipeline Scheduling Point
Public Utilities Commission
Storage Contract Quantity
Storage Service Transportation
Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation
One Therm, a unit of heat equivalent to 100,000 British thermal units
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Revenue Class Codes
Code
Type
Description
00
RESIDENTIAL
Residential Non-Heat
03
RESIDENTIAL
Choice Residential - Heat
04
COMMERCIAL
Choice Commercial – Heat
05
RESIDENTIAL
Choice Residential – Non-heat LP
06
INDUSTRIAL
Choice Industrial - All
07
INDUSTRIAL
Choice Industrial – A/C
08
COMMERCIAL
Choice Commercial – Non-heat
09
RESIDENTIAL
Choice Residential – A/C
10
RESIDENTIAL
Choice Residential – Heat & A/C
11
COMMERCIAL
Commercial Non-heat
12
COMMERCIAL
Choice Commercial – A/C
13
COMMERCIAL
Choice Commercial – Heat & A/C
14
COMMERCIAL
Choice Commercial – NGV
15
COMMERCIAL
Choice Commercial – Intrastate
30
RESIDENTIAL
Residential Heat
31
COMMERCIAL
Commercial NGV
41
COMMERCIAL
Commercial Heat
53
COMMERCIAL
Intrastate Utility Service
60
RESIDENTIAL
Residential A/C
61
COMMERCIAL
Commercial A/C
62
INDUSTRIAL
Electric Power Generation
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63
INDUSTRIAL
Industrial
64
INDUSTRIAL
Industrial Distribution – LP
65
INDUSTRIAL
Industrial Transmission
66
INDUSTRIAL
67
INDUSTRIAL
70
RESIDENTIAL
71
COMMERCIAL
77
COMMERCIAL
78
COMMERCIAL
79
COMMERCIAL
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Reject Notification Error Code Listing
The table summarizes Error Codes that are valid in the RSP file.
Error Code
0001
0002
0003
0004
0005
0006
0007
0008
0009
0010
0011
0012
0013
0014
0015
0016
0017
0018
0019
0020
0021
0022
0023
0024
0025
0026
0027
0028
0029
0030
0031
0032
0033
0034
Error Description
UNAUTHORIZED ACTION CODE
INVALID OR MISSING ACTION CODE
INVALID OR MISSING PERMANENT CUSTOMER IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER (PCID)
INVALID OR MISSING SEQUENCE NUMBER
INVALID OR MISSING CHECK DIGIT
INVALID OR MISSING MARKETER RATE CODE
INVALID OR MISSING TAX EXEMPT INDICATOR (OH ONLY)
INVALID OR MISSING TAX EXEMPT PERCENT (OH ONLY)
INVALID OR MISSING ENROLLMENT INDICATOR
INVALID OR MISSING NOMINATION GROUP NUMBER
MARKETER CODE INVALID FOR SUPPLIER
MARKETER RATE CODE INVALID FOR COLUMBIA COMPANY
MARKETER RATE CODE NOT ON FILE WITH COLUMBIA
CUSTOMER ACCOUNT INVALID FOR COLUMBIA COMPANY
CUSTOMER ACCOUNT NOT ON FILE WITH COLUMBIA
CHECK DIGIT INCORRECT FOR CUSTOMER ACCOUNT
DUPLICATE TRANSACTION – PENDING TRANSACTION BY THE SAME
SUPPLIER
INVALID CUSTOMER ACCOUNT – ENROLLED IN TRANSPORTATION
SERVICE
CUSTOMER ACCOUNT NOT ACTIVE
CANNOT ENROLL CUSTOMER ACCOUNT – VERIFY MARKETER RATE
CODE
MARKETER RATE CODE NOT ACTIVE
CUSTOMER ACCOUNT ENROLLMENT PENDING WITH ANOTHER
SUPPLIER
CUSTOMER ACCOUNT ALREADY ENROLLED WITH SUPPLIER
CUSTOMER ACCOUNT CANNOT BE REMOVED FROM PROGRAM
CUSTOMER NOT CURRENTLY ENROLLED WITH SUPPLIER
NO PENDING TRANSACTION – INVALID CANCEL OR UPDATE
CUSTOMER ACCOUNT ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (PIP) – OH
ONLY
CUSTOMER ACCOUNT ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM – PA ONLY
BLANK NOT USED
ENROLLMENT INDICATOR REQUIRED (PA ONLY)
INVALID COMPANY USE ACCOUNT
INVALID SPECIAL CONTRACT ACCOUNT
INVALID UNDER INVESTIGATION
CUSTOMER ACCOUNT EXCEEDS CONSUMPTION LIMIT
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Error Code
0035
0036
0037
0038
0039
0040
0041
0042
0043
0044
0045
0046
0047
0048
Error Description
NOMINATION GROUP AND ZIP CODE MISMATCH
SUPPLIER NOT AUTHORIZED TO ENROLL REVENUE TYPE
INVALID BUDGET ACCOUNT
INVALID BUDGET ARREARS
INVALID PAYMENT PLAN
INVALID PAYMENT PLAN ARREARS
INVALID CUSTOMER ACCOUNT ARREARS
INVALID CANCEL (ACTION CODE 2) – CUSTOMER PENDING
ENROLLMENT WITH NEW SUPPLIER
PREVIOUS ENROLLMENT RESCINDED IN CURRENT CYCLE
INVALID PROPANE ACCOUNT
INVALID SLAM BLOCK ACCOUNT (KY ONLY)
CANCEL PROHIBITED FROM THIS SOURCE
CANNOT CHANGE MARKETER RATE CODE UNTIL CUSTOMER BILLS
ONCE WITH CURRENT RATE CODE
CUSTOMER INELIGIBLE FOR MARKETER RATE CODE CHANGE,
(RE)ENROLL WITH ACTION CODE 1 OR 3
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