Czech Utilities: Natural Gas

Written by Laura Baranik
for Expats.cz

How do I sign up for natural gas service?

To set up a new gas supply point, you´ll need to fill out an application, available at Pražská Plynárenská´s customer service center:

PP Customer Service
Jungmannova 31
Prague 1 – Nové Město

What documents will be needed by the gas company?

To ensure the smooth startup of the gas supply system at your home, you should have the following documents prepared upon signing of the contract with PP:

· Personal identification (or power of attorney if representing another person)
· The written consent of the owner of your property
· Proof of your right to use the property (lease/sale contract, inheritance certificate)
· If installing new appliances, an initial inspection report issued by a certified technician (this will be arranged upon submission of your application)
· Your bank information

The site www.spoluproprahu.cz provides links to various electronic forms in English, including change of address, power of attorney, etc.

How does billing work?

When your meter is first inspected, you will be given an estimate of how much gas you will consume per payment cycle. You will then be expected to pay a záloha, or deposit, according to this number. Once a year, you´ll receive a summary bill which indicates whether you have consumed more or less gas than the initial estimate; the difference will be settled accordingly. If there is a large discrepancy between the estimate and the actual amount of gas used, the gas company will reset the deposit rate for the following year.

How do I pay my bill?

When you sign your contract with PP, you will be asked to specify your preferred method of payment. Bills can be paid in the following ways:

· Direct debit: Amount due is automatically deducted from your bank account. A limit can be placed on the deductable amount to protect your account against unexpectedly large payments.
· Single transfer order: A one-time bank payment initiated by the customer after receipt of the bill.
· By cash or credit at the PP cash desk: At Jungmannova 31. They accept Visa, Mastercard, and Eurocard as well as cash. No fee.
· In cash using Postal Form A: A common method of paying various bills. The form attached to your bill is taken to the post office and the amount due is paid for in cash. A small service fee is added to your bill.
· SIPO: A combined bill which can include your rent, basic utilities, and television fees. You can sign up for it at the post office, where the bill is paid for in cash; alternatively, you can agree with your bank to allow the post office to deduct the sum by debit.

What if I have a gas leak?

If you suspect your gas is leaking, call 1239 immediately.

Laura Baranik can be reached at laura@expats.cz