Gas Meter Exchange Program
Natural gas meters are getting an upgrade
As part of our commitment to providing safe, reliable natural gas service, National Fuel is working to replace existing natural gas meters for residential customers. Over the coming years, we expect to exchange all residential meters to a smaller, more compact model with enhanced safety features that can also provide customers with more insights and control over their energy use.
How replacing meters benefits you
Replacing natural gas meters offers benefits to customers and allows more access to meter data and capabilities including:
- Enhanced safety: help protect you by automatically shutting off in the event of a potential emergency or unsafe condition.
- Insights into usage: the next step we’re taking to give you more control over how much energy you’re using.
- Less space required: a smaller profile and more compact design.
Here's what you can expect
Qualified National Fuel technicians and contractors will be replacing natural gas meters.
Before we plan to work at your home
- Keep an eye out for a notice in your mailbox with more information.
- You may see information on social media channels such as Facebook and NextDoor.
- You may also receive an email from us. You can update your contact information here.
- You may see National Fuel and contractor vehicles in your area prior to the start of work at your home.
- Information about this program may also be on your monthly natural gas bill.
Day of installation
- A National Fuel technician or contractor will access the meter and temporarily interrupt your natural gas service to install the new meter safely and as quickly as possible.
- You can expect to be without natural gas service for about one hour during this work.
- You will likely see National Fuel and contractor vehicles in your area and technicians at your location.
- Workers may need to enter your backyard or home to access the meter.
- After we replace the meter, technicians will need to enter your home to conduct a safety check of your natural gas appliances prior to relighting them.
- If you are not home when the meter is exchanged, information will be left for you to schedule a time to have your service safely restored.
- If we cannot access the meter, we’ll leave information on your door for you to schedule a time to have this vital safety work completed.
- We thank you for your patience as we work to complete this work.
Your safety is our priority
If you ever feel unsure about someone claiming to work on behalf of National Fuel, please:
- Ask to see their ID badge. All National Fuel workers and contractors will gladly show them upon request. They will also carry information about this project they’d be happy to show you.
- Contact National Fuel to verify contractors are working in your area.
- In case of an emergency, contact local authorities if needed.
Missed meter upgrades
If a technician is unable to upgrade the meter at your home, a door hanger with information on next steps will be left at your home so you can schedule a time to have this important work completed.
FAQs
Do I need to be home when the meter is replaced?
It depends on where the meter is located at your home. A National Fuel technician or contractor can replace the meter so long as it is accessible to them. If the meter is located behind a locked gate or fence, we need to make sure an adult 18 years old or older is on site to provide access.
Following the successful replacement, crews will need to access your home to perform safety checks before relighting each of your natural gas appliances like your water heater, stove and dryer. An adult 18 or older will need to be on site, as well, as we perform this work.
Our team will work to limit the time you’ll need to be home and will provide our best estimates for when crews expect to be at your location. Technicians will work safely and as quickly as possible.
Why is National Fuel exchanging the natural gas meter at my home?
We’re making this important investment to help protect our customers and communities. The new meter will have enhanced safety features such as automatic shut off if they detect an emergency or potentially unsafe condition.
Will my natural gas service be interrupted during this work?
Yes. To replace the meter, we’ll need to temporarily shut off your natural gas service. After exchanging it, we will need to enter your home to conduct a safety check before relighting each of your natural gas appliances. This should take about one hour for work to be completed at your home, but we will work safely and as quickly as possible. If you are not home, we will leave instructions for you to schedule a time to have your service safely restored. We thank you for your patience as we work on this vital safety effort.
Will crews need to enter my backyard?
Yes. To conduct work, we will need access to the meter at your home. If the meter is in your backyard, we will need access to it. A National Fuel technician may need to inspect any gas appliances in the backyard as well, including pool heaters, gas grills, outside fireplaces, etc. We will work to limit the amount of time we need to be in your backyard as we safely perform work as quickly as possible.
Will a National Fuel technician or contractor need to enter my home?
Yes. After we install the meter, we will need to enter your home to conduct a safety check before relighting each of your natural gas appliances. An adult 18 years of age or older will need to be on site while we conduct activities. We will work to limit the amount of time we need to be in your home as we safely perform work as quickly as possible.
Who will be upgrading the meter?
We use qualified National Fuel technicians and contractors to perform this work. All technicians and contractors wear ID badges and will gladly show them on request.
Why is the meter at my neighbor’s home being replaced but the meter at my house isn’t?
This year, we’re prioritizing exchanging meters reaching the end of their useful life. In future years, we expect to replace all residential meters within a certain area around the same timeframe.
Will the communications technology change when the meter at my home is replaced?
No. The meters will use the same communications technologies as the previous meter at your home, allowing for your monthly energy usage information to be collected like it is now.