January 1, 2012
Cochrane Lake Gas Co-op Ltd. (CLGC) was incorporated in July 1972 by ten founding directors who had the desire to bring natural gas to their rural community. The Co-op was formed under the auspices of the Alberta Co-operatives Act which was superseded by the Alberta Rural Utilities Act in 1985. In this manner, Cochrane Lake Gas Co-op was granted an exclusive franchise for the supply of natural gas to an area encompassing 744 square miles to the north and west of the Town of Cochrane.
Since inception, your Co-op has grown from a provider of natural gas to a few rural residences into a business that now supplies more than 2400 members with clean burning, natural gas through an infrastructure comprising almost 1000 miles of pipelines and facilities.
Cochrane Lake Gas Co-op’s mission, as a member owned co-operative, is to:
- (a)exceed safety standards,
- (b)achieve technical and operational excellence,
- (c)ensure that the pipeline distribution system meets consumer demand,
- (d)provide quality customer service.
Within our legislative framework, CLGC is obligated to supply natural gas to all residents within the franchise area. In turn, all area landowners, who request natural gas service, are required to sign a contract and they then automatically become a member of the Co-op. The benefit to this arrangement is that all members are also owners of the Co-op. You have the right to vote at all member meetings and you may also serve as a Director on the Board of your Co-op.
CLGC also operates under the legal jurisdiction of the Province’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Utilities Division and the regulatory framework of the Energy Resources Conservation Board, for the high pressure sections of the system. The Co-op is also a member of the Federation of Alberta Gas Co-ops which comprises 82 members throughout the province. This organization provides training, insurance, technical assistance and legal guidance to its member co-ops and municipalities.
Cochrane Lake Gas Co-op is a shareholder in two companies: Gas Alberta Inc. and Corridor Communications, Inc.. Gas Alberta Inc. purchases gas for all the members of the Federation so that a competitive, low-cost and secure supply is available to the 110,000 provincial customers. Corridor Communications, Inc. is a company that provides high-speed internet to the rural community through both provincial and federal government initiatives.
As a member/owner of Cochrane Lake Gas Co-op Ltd., you have a number of key responsibilities, namely:
Member Contracts
It is your responsibility to ensure that your account is kept in good standing. If your property is used as a rental, it is your responsibility to provide the renter with a copy of the monthly bill. Contracts with CLGC, for the supply of natural gas to a property, must be signed by the Co-op member who is the landowner, as stated on the title.
Meter readings
Members are required to submit meter readings, for their monthly natural gas consumption, on the last day of each month. A penalty fee will be charged if the Co-op does not receive a meter reading for more than two consecutive months. Readings may be submitted by phone, fax and email or they can be dropped off at the office.
Account payments
Payment of your account can be made at the office or your financial institution, by cheque, direct debit or cash. We also accept post-dated cheques in-lieu of budget billing.
Utility Right of Way (URW)
You have granted CLGC a URW on your property which gives us the legal authorization to access, operate and maintain a gas pipeline for the supply of natural gas. As a utility company, we require access to the pipeline system and equipment on your property to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of gas to you and your neighbours.
Annual Inspections
We are a regulated association under the jurisdiction of Measurement Canada and CLGC adheres to the applicable regulations. Every year it is necessary for our servicemen to access your meter for inspection so as to ensure that your monthly billings are accurate.
Alberta 1st Call
It is your responsibility to CALL BEFORE YOU DIG if you are planning to disturb the ground on your property. Gas line locating is a FREE SERVICE and is activated by calling Alberta 1st Call at 1-800-242-3477. Please provide 48 hours notice before you dig. The cost to repair a hit line is paid by the landowner responsible for the damages.
Leaks and Odors
As our franchise area covers over 744 square miles, we rely on our members to assist us by reporting any suspected leaks and odors. In case of an emergency, please call the office at
403-932-2707. We have servicemen on-call 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
If you have additional questions or concerns, please call the office (403-932-2707) and we will be more than glad to help you in every way possible.
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