Natural Gas Meter Safety, Access, and Upkeep

12/18/2024

Your natural gas meter is an essential component in safely delivering energy for   home heating, hot water, and cooking needs. Located outside your home, the meter also measures your monthly gas usage. To maintain this critical equipment and help ensure safety, both for you and natural gas service employees, please follow these guidelines: 

 

Ensure Safe Access 

Clear Pathway: Regularly inspect the path to your gas meter to ensure it's free from debris, large branches, or overgrown plants. Clear access is crucial for timely maintenance and emergency situations. As a general rule, you should have about 3 feet of unobstructed space around your natural gas meter. 

 

Seasonal Maintenance 

Autumn Care: Remove accumulated leaves around your meter to prevent blockage or damage. 

 

Winter Precautions: Use a broom with soft bristles to gently remove snow and ice. Don’t use a shovel or other sharp tools and never kick ice off the meter and pipes. Be sure to also remove icicles from eaves and gutters to prevent freezing on the meter or vent pipe. 

 

Spring and Summer: Keep landscaping and shrubbery trimmed back to avoid encroachment on the meter. 

 

Avoiding Obstructions 

Personal Items: Never lean equipment, garbage bins, or bicycles against your meter. Items like these could damage piping and block access in an emergency. 

 

Attachments: Do not tie pets, hoses, or clotheslines to your meter. This could lead to hazardous situations and equipment damage. 

 

Ventilation: Gas meters have a vent that helps regulate their pressure, so keep your natural gas meter in an open, well-ventilated space. Gas Meters should not be enclosed by a structure such as a deck or shed. Do not cover the meter with anything, like a tarp, for example, and don’t place anything on top of the meter. Unrestricted access is vital for safety checks and maintenance and line locating. 

 

As your natural gas company, we prioritize safety above all else. If you suspect any damage or have concerns about your meter, please contact us immediately. For more detailed safety tips and resources, visit our Safety page. Stay informed and keep your meter area secure to ensure everyone's safety.