What is the crews’ progress?

Early this week, we provided an about CenterPoint Energy’s natural gas main replacements in Bryn Mawr. Today’s update will focus on the service line and meter work. Michels Corporation, a CenterPoint authorized contractor, will move inside meters outside by appointment and replace and/or reconnect service lines to the new mains. (Please see the photo below for an example of an outside meter.)

One crew has been on Penn Avenue S. between Mount View Avenue and Chestnut Avenue W. They anticipate working here into mid-September. For about one week after Labor Day, the crew plans to work on the west side of Penn Avenue S. After that, they plan to work on the east side of Penn Avenue S. Although two-way traffic will remain open, parking will be closed on both sides. One sidewalk will be closed at a time.

On Thursday, August 29, two additional crews will begin service line and meter work. They will be on Upton Avenue S., and on Thomas Avenue S., beginning at Chestnut Avenue W. and working south for two blocks at a time until Laurel Avenue W. They estimate working on these blocks for a few weeks.

During this time, the crews will close parking on both sides of the roads where they’re working between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. One sidewalk will be open at a time. Two-way traffic will remain open. We thank you for your patience!

What should I expect?

The customer will 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 the customer receives the postcard, the technician 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 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!