Moving Gas Meters Outside
Estimated duration: 2013 to 2027
What is CenterPoint Energy doing?
CenterPoint Energy and our regulators have worked together on a plan to relocate all residential natural gas meters from inside to outside, currently estimated to be completed by the end of 2027. The relocation of natural gas meters outside allows for easier maintenance in the future and a quicker shutoff in case of emergencies.
No action from you is needed to coordinate this relocation. We will schedule moves in specific areas each year and will provide schedule details before work starts at your home. Appointments can be requested but will depend on weather and availability of crews. Routine relocation efforts will be at no cost to residential customers, but costs could apply for special requests.
Thank you for your patience as we work to continue to provide you with safe and reliable service.
Marking utilities
CenterPoint will contact Gopher State One Call 811 to locate public underground utilities such as electric, water, sewer and cable. You will see markings such as spray paint and utility flags. They will be color-coded to indicate the utility type.
If you have installed private lines like sprinkler heads or dog fences, we ask that you mark them with things like spray paint, flags and wooden sticks used to stir paint. Marking sprinkler heads is sufficient.
If utility flags are left in your yard after we complete our work and restoration, residents can remove the flags and throw them away.
Service line and meter work
Prior to the start of work, affected customers will receive a CenterPoint postcard in the mail describing the project. Our employees and contractors will wear uniforms and carry identification badges. If their badge is not visible, a badge will be shown upon request. If you have any doubts about whether someone is a CenterPoint employee or authorized contractor, call us to verify we have work occurring in your area.
After the customer receives the postcard, the technician will visit your house to schedule an appointment. If you aren’t home, they will leave a door hanger with contact information to schedule an appointment.
One natural gas crew typically works on about one block per week. They will either fully replace the service line, which is the line that connects to your meter, or reconnect the existing line to the new pipeline that’s been installed. For most properties, the crews remove at least one sidewalk panel in front of the house, excavate a hole by the outside meter and drill the service line underground from the sidewalk to the house. For properties with no sidewalks, the crews typically excavate a hole by the outside meter and drill the service line underground from the main in the boulevard or right-of-way to the house.
For inside meters, the crew will make a two-to-three-hour appointment during normal business hours. The technician will discuss the location of the meter with the customer, keeping limitations in mind such as a minimum of three feet away from areas such as windows, doors, and vents. The technician will access the natural gas meter inside the house, move the meter outside and conduct safety checks to relight the natural gas appliance pilot lights after relocation occurs.
Restoration
After the service line and meter work, the gas crew will backfill the excavated areas with dirt, gravel or asphalt. This will be temporary before the restoration crew comes. Hard surfaces will be restored to their original condition. On boulevards and lawns, the crews will refill the areas with black dirt, grass seed and netting that degrades over a few months. Prior to mowing the restored area, remove any loose staples that secured the blanket.
Permanent restoration may begin a few weeks after the natural gas work is done, depending on weather conditions and other factors.
