Liberty (the “Company”), was incorporated in 1957. The Company serviced its first natural gas customers in 1962 and with more than $78 million in gross assets, distributes fuel to approximately 14,862 residential, 1,770 commercial, 21 industrial customers and 2 cogeneration facilities. With its main office located at 33 Stearns Street in Massena and a satellite office inOgdensburg, the Company employs a workforce of 51 persons, with a wide range of skills and experience.
Liberty currently operates more than 688 miles of mains and services within our franchise territories, covering approximately 1660 square miles in the Counties of Franklin, Lewis and St. Lawrence in northern New York State. Municipalities served with natural gas include Beaver Falls, Brasher Falls, Brushton, Canton, Chateaugay, Croghan, Fowler, Gouverneur, Heuvelton, Lisbon, Madrid, Malone, Massena, New Bremen, Norfolk, North Lawrence, Louisville, Norwood, Ogdensburg, Potsdam, Raymondville, Waddington and Winthrop. Future expansion of gas distribution is being evaluated and will be considered based on results of the business case for the communities of Bangor, Burke and Moira beyond 2020.
Liberty is regulated by the New York State Department of Public Service, Albany.
Our Service Territory
Service Territory Map
Regulation
If you call Liberty at 1-800-454-2201 or visit us at 33 Stearns St., Massena and we are unable to help you, you have the right to contact the NYS Department of Public Service (DPS) for assistance.
Consumer complaints can be directed to the NYS Department of Public Service (DPS) by contacting them online at www.dps.ny.gov/complaints, or by calling their toll free HELPLINE : (800) 342-3377 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on business days. You may also write to: Consumer Services Division, Department of Public Service, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223-1350.
Emergency HOTLINE: If your service has been or is about to be shut off, you can also call the DPS toll-free HOTLINE at (800) 342-3355 for help. It is staffed from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on business days.
Tariffs
View our tariff electronically. Follow the link below and select Liberty.
Rate Cases
Commission Case 21-G-0577, filed November 24, 2021 with the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) and approved June 22, 2022.
- View the Press Release
- Summary of Joint Proposal
- Order Adopting the Terms of a Joint Proposal (June 22, 2022)
Commission Cases 18-G-0133 and 18-G-0140, filed February 26, 2018 with the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC)and approved October 18, 2019.
- View the Press Release
- Summary of Joint Proposal
- Order Adopting the Terms of a Joint Proposal (October 18, 2019)
Commission Case 15-G-0382 – filed June 29, 2015 with the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC)and approved July 15, 2016.
- View the Press Release
- Summary of Joint Proposal
- Order Adopting the Terms of a Joint Proposal (July 15, 2016)
Meter Exchange Program
The New York State Public Service Commission (NYSPSC) regulates the requirements for testing and maintaining the accuracy of gas meters and related devices used for customer billing.
Annually, Liberty is required, through a NYSPSC approved Alternate In-test Program (Random Sample Program) to test the accuracy of a statically valid random sample of residential and small commercial meters based on in-service population. The American National Standard ANSI/ASQ Z1.9 determines the number of meters to be tested as well as the percentage of nonconforming (inaccurate) meters which are allowed. A random number generator selects which meters will be tested from the active population. A meter that was installed during the previous year has the same chance for selection as a meter that has been in service for several years.
In most cases a meter exchange, whether for testing, increased size or any other reason, requires a Gas Mechanic (GM) or Gas Technician (GT) to interrupt service temporarily. Once the meter has been replaced, it is necessary for the GM or GT to enter the customer premises to ensure that all gas fired appliances are operating properly, and that there are no leaks present.
The amount of time required to perform and exchange is dependent upon the type of exchange and the size of the meter. Generally a residential exchange takes less than an hour and when being completed as part of the mandated exchange and testing program, there is no charge to the customer.
Deregulation
Purchasing gas from an alternative source
There are currently no marketers offering gas to residential and small commercial customers in the Liberty Service Territory.
The natural gas industry in New York State is now open for competition as part of the deregulation process. Since May 1996, all Liberty customers have had the option to purchase natural gas supplies from someone other than Liberty.
Through the Liberty Retail Access Program, customers may purchase natural gas from Marketers, who have been approved by the New York State Public Service Commission and by Liberty, to operate in the Liberty service territory.
Marketers are responsible for arranging pipeline deliveries of gas to the Liberty distribution system. Once the gas reaches the Liberty system, Liberty transports it on a firm or interruptible basis (in accordance with the terms of the customer’s service classification) to the customer’s facility or home.
Many large volume customers in the Liberty service territory have had this option since 1992.
Can I buy my natural gas from someone other than Liberty?
Yes, other natural gas suppliers, known as Marketers, can provide your natural gas requirements. These Marketers will deliver your natural gas requirements to the Liberty system. Liberty will then deliver the gas to you.
The Marketer will bill you for the transportation charges to deliver the gas to the Liberty system and for the natural gas. Liberty will bill you for the transportation charges on the Liberty system, and any other charges according to the tariff.
Can anyone sell gas in the Liberty service territory?
No, only Marketers that have been approved by the New York State Public Service Commission can sell natural gas in New York State. Marketers must also be deemed creditworthy by Liberty.
Why would a Marketer be interested in providing gas for my house/business?
A Marketer will sign up a large number of customers and provide the total gas requirements for the group. This process is known as Aggregation. Aggregating a large number of customers into a group makes it feasible for the Marketer to provide natural gas to your house.
Will the service I receive from Liberty be different if I buy gas from a Marketer?
No, you will receive the same quality service from Liberty no matter what company provides your gas requirements.
What about my budget billing, can I buy my gas from a Marketer and stay on the budget?
Yes you can, your monthly budget amount will be adjusted to reflect your choice of gas suppliers. The Marketer may or may not offer budget billing on their system however, check with them when you apply for service.
How can I find information on Marketers in the Liberty service territory?
The New York State Department of Public Service lists all approved Marketers on it’s web site.
Competitive Electric and Gas Marketer Sources Directory
You can find a list of Marketers who have been approved by the New York State Department of Public Service and who have passed the Liberty creditworthiness requirements in our Marketer Directory.
At this time there are not any Approved Marketers.
Will I save money buying gas from a Marketer?
The savings you receive will depend on the price charged by your Marketer. Be sure to compare prices before making a final decision. Liberty will be happy to help you with your comparison.
To compare the Liberty price to the price a Marketer may quote, use the current rates shown below (these rates apply to all Residential and Commercial (Small General Firm Service) Customers). These rates include the costs to transport gas to the Liberty system and for the natural gas supply. These rates will be replaced by the rate the Marketer will charge. All other rates and charges, as specified in the Liberty tariff, will remain the same.
| Liberty | JUNE 2018 | |
| /therm | /MMBtu | |
| Transportation GAC | $0.234161 | $2.34161 |
| Supply GAC | $0.358971 | $3.58971 |
| Total | $0.593132 | $5.93132 |
How do I start the process of buying gas from a Marketer?
If you have not been contacted by a Marketer you can try contacting one of the Marketers listed on the New York State Department of Public Service Web Site. If the Marketer is selling gas, or is planning on selling gas in the Liberty service territory, they will require some information regarding your account with Liberty. Some of the information they will require could be your Liberty account number, your service address, mailing address, and phone number. You will be asked to give Liberty authorization to release your account history including your monthly usage and your payment history. Liberty will not release any information without written approval from you.
The Marketer will offer you a price for their gas supply which should include all costs to deliver your gas to the Liberty system. You should verify that the price offered includes all the charges you will be required to pay to the Marketer. Once you have the Marketers price you can compare it with the price listed above, keep in mind however that the price of natural gas charged by Liberty changes on a monthly basis depending on market conditions. The actual amount you save (if any) will depend on the ability of the Marketer to beat the price charged by Liberty.
Since your natural gas originates in Canada make sure your Marketer quotes your price in US dollars and that the price is per MMbtu (wet).
How can I get more information about my choices?
If you want more information about the choices that are available to you, please contact us using our pricing page.