Switching to Natural Gas FAQs
- Should I call Gopher State One Call before Minnesota Energy Resources installs my gas line?
- Can I have my gas meter installed anywhere on my building?
- If there is a gas main beneath the road in front of my building, how much will it cost to install natural gas to my building?
- What is included in the gas service line installation?
- Are there additional costs if the gas main is located on the opposite side of the road?
- If a natural gas main is not currently located on my road, how much will it cost to install gas?
- Am I responsible for any lawn damage that occurs as a result of the gas service line installation?
- Can Minnesota Energy Resources install gas piping to my appliances?
- Once I apply for gas service, how long will it take to have it installed?
If your question is not answered here, or if you'd like more information, please contact us.
- Should I call Gopher State One Call before Minnesota Energy Resources installs my gas line?
- No, Minnesota Energy Resources will call Gopher State One Call. Gopher State One Call will then locate all utility and municipal underground utilities within 3 business days of the request. The homeowner will be responsible for locating all private facilities, such as underground sprinkler lines, septic systems, drain fields, etc.
- Can I have my gas meter installed anywhere on my building?
- Minnesota Energy Resources will work with you to determine the best meter location. However, our policy is to locate the meter along the building wall that faces the road where the gas main is located, or just around the corner. There are also code requirements in regard to the location of your gas meter from windows, exhaust outlets or fresh air intake areas. Additionally, your gas meter needs to be a least 3-5 feet from the electric meter.
- If there is a gas main beneath the road in front of my building, how much will it cost to install natural gas to my building?
- This would require installing a gas service line from the main to your building. $200 may cover some or all of the costs of installing natural gas. However various factors such as excess footage, permits, winter construction and boring under or around obstacles could all impact the cost of the gas installation.
- What is included in the gas service line installation?
- Minnesota Energy Resources installs the service line from the gas main to the location at the house and then connects the gas meter on the outside of the structure. The gas piping that extends from the gas meter to the house or any other building, gas grill, pool heater, etc., is the responsibility of the building owner.
- Are there additional costs if the gas main is located on the opposite side of the road?
- For typical installations, the costs are determined from the customer's property line. However, excess footage, permits or winter construction charges can alter the costs.
- If a natural gas main is not currently located on my road, how much will it cost to install gas?
- This would require extending a gas main along the road in front of your building and then installing a service line to your building. The cost of extending the gas pipeline is determined by the length of the extension, an allowance and other factors.
- Am I responsible for any lawn damage that occurs as a result of the gas service line installation?
- The area between the property line and the road (the right-of-way) will be restored with black dirt and seed or gravel (whichever is applicable). In the yard, Minnesota Energy Resources will level the trench area and clean-up the lawn according to our guidelines. However, the homeowner will be responsible for restoring the area from the property line at the road to the house to their satisfaction.
- Can Minnesota Energy Resources install gas piping to my appliances?
- No. You must contact a heating or plumbing contractor to install gas piping to your appliances.
- Once I apply for gas service, how long will it take to have it installed?
- A typical installation is approximately one month from the date of the request. However, the timeline can vary depending upon a number of factors, including the time of year, number of requests and weather conditions. It is always important to schedule early for your service installation.