Residential FAQs
Is natural gas available at my site?
Please complete a Gas Availability Form or contact our New Business Team at 1-888-639-4270 for more information. A representative can help answer specific questions regarding the availability of natural gas. Please have information available regarding intersecting streets to the left and right of your site.
If natural gas is not currently available at my site, is it possible to have Columbia Gas extend a main line to serve me? Will I be charged for the extension? How much?
Please contact our New Business Team at 1-888-639-4270. A representative will evaluate your specific site to determine main line availability and provide information on the main line extension process.
Who taps the main in the street?
The U.S. Department of Transportation requires that Columbia Gas tap the main line.
Who installs the line from the main in the street up to my building?
Columbia Gas is now responsible for installing new service lines (including the meter setting), as well as repair or replacement of service lines, from the main to the outlet of the meter.
I am concerned about the appearance of the meter setting; what are your requirements about the location of the meter?
There are some specific requirements for the installation of meter settings, please contact our New Business Team at 1-888-639-4270. A representative will be happy to explain the details, including acceptable locations, sizes, screening, protection, etc. You may also refer to the Natural Gas Meter Placement Guide for information on the requirements of the meter location.
The meter setting would be much less obtrusive if I can paint it to match the building. Is that a problem?
You may paint the meter and accessories any color you wish; however, there are a few restrictions:
- Rust inhibitor type paint must be applied
- You cannot paint over the glass cover on the Index.
- The meter name plate and serial number cannot be painted over.
- Be certain the vent on the regulator is not blocked.
We need to do some excavation around our facility and would like to know the location of the customer service line and main line tap.
Prior to any excavation, you should call Dig Safe at 1-888-DIG-SAFE (1-888-344-7233) or dial 811 to have your underground utility lines marked.
We currently have natural gas at our facility and are planning to add equipment. Will our current meter capacity be sufficient when we connect our new equipment?
Please contact our New Business Team at 1-888-639-4270 for information about your company's specific needs. To assist our representative in providing accurate and timely information, please have your total load information, existing and new equipment BTU input, available prior to calling. To assist you in gathering this information, please complete the Added Load Form prior to calling.
How do I convert between British Thermal Units (BTUs), cubic feet (CCF's), MCF's and Therms?
- 1 Cubic Foot has approximately 1020 BTUs
- There are 100 Cubic Feet per CCF or about 102,000 BTUs
- There are 1,000 Cubic Feet per MCF or about 1,020,000 BTUs
- A Therm is 100,000 BTUs or just slightly less than a CCF
- A Dekatherm is 1,000,000 BTUs or just slightly less than an MCF
How quickly can I obtain natural gas service?
Each location is different. Please contact our New Business Team at 1-888-639-4270 for an estimated timeframe.
What are your current rates?
Please contact our Customer Contact Center at 1-800-677-5052 for information regarding current rates.
Where do I get information about natural gas products such as water heaters, logs, dryers, and other appliances?
To find out more about products that use natural gas, check out our Equipment Options section.
I have a question about my bill. Whom should I contact?
Please call our Customer Contact Center at 1-800-677-5052 for information regarding your Columbia Gas bill or other customer service inquiries.