Frequently Asked Questions - Converting to Natural Gas

If your question is not answered here, or if you'd like further information, please contact us.

Are there any standards my home must meet before I can convert to natural gas?: There are 10 structural energy standards mandated by the WPSC Commission of Wisconsin that must be met before converting to natural gas. Most homes already meet these standards; if yours doesn't, WPSC will recommend ways to help you achieve them.

I would like to convert my mobile home to natural gas. Do the structural standards apply?: Mobile homes are not required to meet any structural standards before converting to natural gas. However, natural gas furnaces and water heaters must be approved for mobile home installation.

Are there special requirements for installing a gas meter on my mobile home?: When connecting a mobile home to natural gas, the piping connection from the gas meter to the home must be a flexible connector no more than six feet in length. The flexible connector used by your contractor must meet American Gas Association (AGA) requirements.

Should I call Diggers Hotline before WPSC installs my gas line?: No, WPSC will call Diggers Hotline. Diggers Hotline will then locate all utility and municipal underground utilities within 3 business days of the request. The homeowner will be responsible to locate all private facilities, such as underground sprinkler lines, septic systems, drain fields, etc.

Can I have my gas meter installed anywhere on my building?: The meter location should minimize the cost of connecting the house piping to the meter. Therefore, we recommend locating the meter along the building wall that faces the road where the gas main is located. There are also code requirements in regard to the location of your gas meter from windows, exhaust outlets or fresh air intake areas. Additionally, your gas meter needs to be a least 3-5 feet from the electric meter. WPSC will work with you to determine the best meter location.

If there is a gas main on the road in front of my building, how much will it cost to install natural gas to my building?: This would require installing a gas service line from the main to your building. An allowance may cover some or all of the costs of installing natural gas. However various factors such as excess footage, permits and boring under or around obstacles could all impact the cost of the gas installation.

What is included in the gas service line installation?: WPSC installs the service line from the gas main to the location at the house and then connects the gas meter on the outside of the structure. The gas piping that extends from the gas meter to the house or any other building, gas grill, pool heater, etc., is the responsibility of the building owner.

Are there additional costs if the gas main is located on the opposite side of the road?: For typical installations, the costs are determined from the customer's lot line. However, excess footage, permits or winter construction charges can alter the costs.

If a natural gas main is not currently located on my road, how much will it cost to install gas?: This would require extending a gas main along the road in front of your building and then installing a service line to your building. The cost of extending the gas pipeline is determined by the length of the extension, an allowance and other factors.

Can I share the cost of extending the gas main with my neighbors?: You can pay to have the gas main extended to your property. Then, if there are neighbors who hook onto that extension within a 5-year period, you will receive a credit back for each service that is hooked up.

What is the cost comparison of oil, LP, or electric to natural gas?: Wisconsin Public Service offers natural gas savings calculators, which can calculate your potential savings by switching to natural gas.

Am I responsible for any lawn damage that occurs as a result of the gas service line installation?: The area between the property line and the road (the right-of-way) will be restored with black dirt and seed or gravel. You will be responsible for restoring the area from the property line at the road to the house.

Can WPSC install gas piping to my appliances?: No. You must contact a heating or plumbing contractor to install gas piping to your appliances.

Once I apply for gas service, how long will it take to have it installed?: A typical installation is approximately one month from the date of the request. However, the timeline can vary depending upon on a number of factors, including the time of year, number of requests, equipment availability and weather conditions. It is always important to schedule early for your service installation.

Wisconsin Public Service