A pilot light is basically a small flame that stays lit all the time, which is used to ignite the main burner when you need it. It's like a tiny little guardian that watches over your appliance and makes sure it's ready to go at a moment's notice. But if it goes out, you might need the gas company to come and relight it for you.
Now, you might be wondering why the gas company is responsible for lighting your pilot in the first place. Well, it's because they're the ones who install and maintain the gas lines and appliances in your home. They have the expertise and equipment to make sure everything is working safely and efficiently. And if something goes wrong, they're the ones who can fix it and get you back up and running.