Natural Gas Service Utility Filing
Many fossil fuels and biofuels can be used for heating, but natural gas has the advantage of being delivered as a utility service. Other fuels like heating oil must be delivered by truck and stored on site, while natural gas is readily available from mains. Extreme weather and other emergency conditions can complicate oil deliveries, but the robust gas distribution system will continue operating in most cases.
Natural gas can also be used as a power source, by installing gas-fired generators in buildings. Diesel gensets are widely used, but diesel has the same limitation as heating oil - depending on scheduled deliveries. When a building is left without electric power, it can use the gas supply to drive a generator.
The natural gas requirements of buildings are determined from the equipment used: gas ranges, water heaters, boilers, furnaces, natural gas generators, etc. In addition to being more reliable than diesel and heating oil during emergencies, natural gas also has lower emissions per BTU of heat. However, since natural gas is flammable, there are stringent requirements for a new connection, and only a licensed plumbing contractor has authorization to do the job.
Buildings in NYC normally get their natural gas service from Con Edison or National Grid, depending on their location. Con Edison customers have the convenience of dealing with the same provider for electricity and natural gas. Actually, the filing procedure for gas and electric power is very similar:
- The Energy Services Project Center can also be used to create a work request for a natural gas service connection.
- Filing is required for new gas connections, additions and alterations.
Before starting the procedure, customers should check the availability of natural gas at their location. In some cases there is not enough capacity for a specific building, and the local gas piping must be modified at the customer’s expense.
- Natural gas service connections up to 880 CFH are approved more easily.
- However, gas connections above 880 CFH are sent to the engineering department for further analysis and approval.
- Like with electrical service connections, the point of entry (POE) is determined by Con Edison, and a preferred POE has an extra cost.
Gas meters for 1-3 family dwellings are installed outdoors. Dwellings with 4+ units, commercial buildings and mixed-use buildings also have their gas meters outdoors, but waivers are available in some cases. Consumers must meet physical protection requirements for outdoor meters, and any excavation must be notified and approved 2 to 10 days in advance.
Building owners who get natural gas from National Grid can also file new connections, additions and alterations online. Consumers must check the availability of natural gas at their location, to determine if extra work is needed. National Grid will provide up to 100 feet of main if there is no gas line in front of the property, and up to 100 feet of service connection from the street to the meter. If any additional work is required, the cost is assumed by the client.
If your building uses heating oil and you are planning a natural gas conversion, National Grid has an online form to simplify the process. A professional assessment by a qualified engineering firm is recommended, to determine which of your equipment and components must be upgraded to use natural gas. If you must remove an old oil tank, make sure you follow all regulations from local authorities.