Per our NYS PSC approved tariff, the cost of extending natural gas main lines cannot be passed onto our current ratepayers. This means that interested homes must pay their part in having a main line extended. The purpose of the pilot program is to implement a new, simple, and affordable method to expand natural gas service to communities that are currently not served by National Fuel.

Under our current, standard mainline extension procedures, homeowners have to express interest in a project and National Fuel will provide individual, customized quotes for all homeowners included in the project. Everyone in the project has to pay their individual price before National Fuel can install the natural gas main line. If a homeowner withdraws from the project, typically because of the cost, the project must be repriced based on the number of remaining participants – ultimately resulting in a higher cost. In the past, this process often repeats itself as more homeowners withdraw from the project. Many times, the project becomes too expensive for the remaining homeowners and is not completed.

Under the pilot program, National Fuel will offer the same fixed price for the mainline extension for all customers, regardless of home size, gas usage, and distance to our mainline. The fixed mainline pricing will be available for a period of 10 years, and customers may connect to our system at any time during this 10 years. The pilot program simplifies the conversion process and allows the customer to connect to our system at the time that is most convenient to them, with the assurance of a fixed price to connect to our system that they can plan on for budgeting purposes.

This program was developed in conjunction with the New York State Public Service Commission. View the case.

National Fuel will backfill the main line trench along the street and, depending on the project, may provide limited property restoration. National Fuel will backfill the new service line trench on your property with original soil but will not restore your lawn or landscaping.

Conversion can be done at any time, weather permitting, but may be easier during non-winter months.

We recommend that you talk with your propane or fuel oil provider, or HVAC contractor, to determine the best method for removal.

All inside house piping is the responsibility of the customer. Existing propane gas piping may be able to be used for natural gas appliances. Oil appliances will require new gas piping. We recommend that you consult with a licensed plumber or heating contractor. Please note: National Fuel does not light new appliances.

No, the gas meter is not installed at the same time that your service line is installed. In order to have your gas meter installed, you must contact us.

716-686-6123

1-800-365-3234

The gas meter will be installed once your intended appliances are being converted to natural gas. We recommend that you schedule your heating contractor to complete this work in the morning and schedule the National Fuel meter installation in the afternoon. This sequence ensures that you are not without a heat source. When you call to schedule the meter installation, please notify the representative that you are converting to natural gas and request an afternoon appointment.

Main line extensions may require four to six months. Some main line projects may require less time, depending on the number of participants and the distance to the main line. Once the main line is installed and all necessary forms have been received by National Fuel, a service line is typically installed within two weeks.

In many cases, natural gas will generate net savings in a short period of time. Check out our conversion calculator to help you determine your savings and payback period.

As of 01/01/2020, orifice and burner replacement rebates are available to homeowners converting their heating or water heating equipment to natural gas from an alternative fuel source. Orifice and burner replacements that have taken place prior to 01/01/2020 are not eligible for the rebate.

Many propane furnaces, boilers and other appliances can be converted to natural gas by simply changing the burner orifice. Oil appliances cannot be converted and must be replaced with new gas appliances. Consult with a licensed contractor to see if your equipment can be converted to natural gas.

Each customer’s service line cost will be calculated as described above. However, the main line extension costs will be divided between the number of customers involved. Main line extension projects include 100 feet of main line for each customer at no charge.

There are two fixed-price payment options:

Surcharge on gas bill

• Ability to pay off early without penalty.
• Surcharge continues with future homeowners if your home is sold.

Prepayment

• One-time payment.

Cost is determined by the distance from the main gas line at the street to the gas meter location at your house. A cost per foot, based on the appropriate size, determines project price. Each new residential customer receives 100 feet of service line at no charge, measured from the center line of the road, and will be given a specific quote for the service line to their house beyond 100 feet.