Gas company closes doors to bill payers

Piedmont Natural Gas customers will no longer be able to pay their bills at the company's Logan Street office.

That doesn't sit well with Cherokee County Council Chairman Hoke Parris.

Speaking before council, Piedmont Natural Gas community relations manager Hank McCullough said the company will shortly adopt a new industry-wide payment system that allows customers to make payments at various pay stations in the city.

The company's Logan Street office will remain open for service calls but won't accept bill payments, he said.

That drew the ire of Parris, who claimed that Piedmont Natural Gas was reneging on its pledge when it received a fee-in-lieu from council to keep its office open until 2010.

"You are going back on your word," a feisty Parris told McCullough. "I can't pay a bill there, but you will still have somebody inside."

Piedmont Natural Gas serves about 5,500 residents here.

The five pay stations in Gaffney include Bi-Lo, Dee Tee's Quick Stop, Foster Rental Center, Shipping Center Plus Inc. and Dollar & Up at 113 N. Granard St.

A $1 service charge will be added to the bill at all of the pay stations except for the Dollar & Up, McCullough said.