What is the crews’ progress?

A crew from NPL, a CenterPoint Energy authorized contractor, has put all the footage of the project’s natural gas mains in the ground, and they are activated with natural gas. NPL has begun the other portion of the project’s natural gas infrastructure work: moving inside meters outside by appointment and replacing and/or reconnecting the natural gas service lines to the new mains.

The crew has been working on Comstock Lane N. from 30th Avenue N. to 26th Avenue N. and is beginning to work on Black Oaks Lane N. from 30th Avenue N. to 29th Avenue N.

Further work is being done by MJ Electric for Xcel Energy and by Universal Services JDR Tech for Comcast. All utilities are working prior to the City of Plymouth’s 2024 Street Rehabilitation Project. The city’s website stated, “The city’s contractor for this project, Northwest Asphalt, is hoping to begin as soon as the private utility work is completed. While the contractor’s exact start day is still unknown, they will likely begin in late May or June.”

What can I expect for meter and service line work?

The customer will receive a CenterPoint Energy postcard in the mail describing the project before the natural gas crews perform the work. The crews will have CenterPoint Energy-authorized photo IDs. After the customer receives the postcard, the foreman will arrive at the customer’s house to schedule an appointment that typically meets with the customer’s schedule. If the customer isn’t home when they arrive, they will leave a door tag with their contact information to schedule an appointment with them.

One natural gas crew typically works on about one block per week. They will either fully replace the service line or reconnect it to the new main, depending on the line’s age. For most properties, the crews excavate holes in the boulevard and by the outside meter and bore the service line from the gas main to the house.

For inside meters, the crew will make a two- to three-hour appointment at a time that works with the resident. We encourage customers to work with the crew on where they want the meter to go, keeping limitations in mind such as a minimum of three feet away from areas such as windows, doors, and vents. Customers with outside meters will be notified prior to the replacement or connection of the service lines to the new mains.

The technician will access the natural gas meter inside the house, move the meter outside, and relight the natural gas appliance pilot lights after the new meter has been relocated.

How can I contact CenterPoint Energy? 

Check out our website for more details and for updates on the crews’ progress. If you have questions, please contact our Communication Specialist at 612-321-5546 or hannah.gullickson@centerpointenergy.com. We thank you for your patience as we’re upgrading our infrastructure!