Switching to Natural Gas - Frequently Asked Questions

If your question is not answered here, or if you'd like more 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 Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) that must be met before converting to natural gas. Most homes already meet these standards; if yours doesn't, WPS will recommend ways to help you achieve them.

I would like to convert my mobile home to natural gas. Does it have to meet any special standards?: Mobile homes don't have to meet any special standards before switching to natural gas. But if you install a natural gas furnace and water heater, be sure those are approved for mobile home use.

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 WPS installs my gas line?: No need. We'll make that call. Diggers Hotline will then locate all utility and municipal underground utilities within 3 business days of the request. You'll need to arrange for locating all privately owned underground lines and equipment, however, such as sprinkler systems, septic systems, drain fields, and so on.

Can I have my gas meter installed anywhere on my building?: We'll work with you to find the best place for your meter. Usually, we place meters along the wall that faces the road where the gas main is located, or just around the corner. Remember, building or safety codes may say how close your gas meter can be to windows, doors, exhaust outlets or fresh-air intakes. Also, your gas meter needs to be a least 3 to 5 feet from your electric meter.

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?: We would need to provide you with an estimate on that. Getting natural gas to your building would mean installing a natural gas service line from the gas main to your building. An allowance may cover some or all of the costs of installing natural gas. Many things, such as the distance from the gas main to your building, permits, winter weather and the need to go under or around obstacles, can impact the cost.

What's included when WPS installs a natural gas service line?: We install the service line from the gas main to your building and then connect the gas meter on the outside of the building. But we don't run gas piping from the gas meter to a house or any other building, gas grill, pool heater or other area. A licensed plumber or contractor can help you with that.

Are there additional costs if the gas main is located on the opposite side of the road?: Not necessarily. For most gas service installations, we determine the cost by measuring from the gas meter to your property line. Permits and winter construction charges can also affect the cost.

If a natural gas main is not currently located on my road, how much will it cost to install gas?: We would need to provide you with an estimate. Getting natural gas to your building would mean extending a gas main along the road in front of your building and then installing a service line to your building. The cost would depend on the length of the main extension 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?: WPS 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?: We'll restore the area between your property line and the road with black dirt and seed, or gravel (to match the nearby area). You will be responsible for restoring the area from the property line at the road to the house.

Can WPS install gas piping to my appliances?: No. You'll need to call a heating or plumbing contractor to install gas piping to your appliances.

Once I apply for natural gas service, how long will it take to get it?: It usually takes about a month from the date you apply. But that can vary based on the time of year, number of applications we have and the weather. It's always best to apply early.

Wisconsin Public Service