How much lead time should I allow when applying for new service?

Call us to apply for natural gas service as soon as you know you will be building a new home. Lead time is key to ensure your service will be installed when you need it. The process from start to finish can take 6-8 weeks depending on a variety of factors. These variables include delays due to weather, heavy workloads, equipment breakdown and permit delays.

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What information do I need to provide when applying for new service?

When applying for service, the following information is required:

• Name(s), phone number and email address of owner/tenant to be billed.
• Name, phone number and email of party to be billed, if other than the owner/tenant listed.
• Service address (If address is not available, the closest neighbor's address).
• Mailing address, if different from service address.
• The new owner/tenant's previous address and current phone number (daytime, home, employer or relative).
• Employer or source of income.
• Site plan and/or copy of the septic permit faxed or mailed to the local office.

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Where is the best location for my natural gas meter? Are there any requirements?

The gas meter must be installed on the front or either side of the structure, no more than 4 feet from the front corner. The service line must run perpendicular to the road with no more than a 5-foot offset.

The natural gas meter must be placed a minimum of 3 feet from doors, windows, vents, fresh air intakes and electrical meters. Note: Position the meter locations to avoid any conflicts with building openings and sources of ignition. The company will make final determination of meter location based on applicable building, fuel and codes.

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I need to meet your designer on-site to discuss the gas route. How do I contact him or her?

If you need to meet our designer on site to discuss the location and routing of facilities, email MERC-sitesketchwaiver@minnesotaenergyresources.com and request an appointment. If an application has been submitted previously, we'll take your request and pass it on to the local designer. Our designer will call you within a day or two to make an appointment to meet on-site.

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I have to get the gas service in by next week. Will you be able to install service that quickly?

No. New service installation takes several weeks, in some cases, even longer. It depends on our scheduled workload, readiness of your site, permits, weather issues, etc. The best plan is to notify us well in advance of when you need natural gas service.

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What is the cost for new gas service installation?

The cost for new service varies depending on a number of factors. These include the distance from our distribution natural gas pipes and customer preferences for meter location.

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