What is CenterPoint Energy doing?

A crew from Michels Corporation, a CenterPoint Energy authorized contractor, are continuing to move inside meters outside by appointment and replace and/or reconnect natural gas service lines to natural gas mains. They have been working on Columbus Avenue between 36th Street E. and 33rd Street E. and are continuing to work north to Lake Street. 

Although a second Michels Corporation crew may join the first, the schedule and location are subject to change. We appreciate your patience as we’re working as efficiently as we can. 

During this time, one sidewalk will be closed at a time. Parking will be closed on both sides of the blocks where the crews are working.

Where should I expect during the service line and meter work?

You should receive a CenterPoint Energy postcard in the mail before the natural gas crews perform the work. The crews will have CenterPoint Energy-authorized photo IDs. After you receive the postcard, the technician will arrive at your house to schedule an appointment that typically meets with your schedule. If you aren’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 remove at least one sidewalk panel in front of the house, excavate a hole by the outside meter, and bore the service line from the sidewalk 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 appreciate your patience as we’re upgrading our infrastructure. We wish you a great season!