Pipeline Safety
Did you know natural gas pipelines are the safest energy transportation system in the United States? We are committed to making them even safer.
National Grid is required by New York State to perform periodic leak surveys and corrosion inspections on all meters – even those located indoors. These inspections are performed by a licensed National Grid contractor, at no cost to our customers.
To ensure the ongoing reliability and safety of our systems, we are required to conduct two types of inspections: Service Line Inspections (below) and Meter Regulator Inspections. Both inspections are performed free of charge and require someone over the age of 18 to be present:
Service Line Inspections
Service Line Inspections are 15-minute inspections that are conducted every three to five years, dependent on the state of your pipeline based on its latest inspection, or, if you live in a Business District, your inspection will occur annually.
Read our brochure for additional information: New York State Service Line Inspection Program.
We are working with RECONN Utility Services for pipeline inspections. Schedule your appointment by calling RECONN at 1-888-802-2010.
Any contractor doing work for National Grid is required to carry ID. If someone requesting entry into your home or place of business does not show an ID card, don’t let that person in and call your local law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
The person completing the inspection will visually inspect the piping that connects to your gas meter. They will also use a calibrated gas instrument to detect if there are any leaks.
We have contracted with RECONN Utility Services to perform the inspection. To set up your appointment, please call RECONN at 1-888-802-2010.
The inspection takes approximately 15 minutes.
Yes, if your meter or piping is located inside, the inspector will need access.
If you rent your home or business, please contact your landlord or property manager. Call National Grid to update your account with property manager information.
Yes. We are required by New York State to inspect your gas meter and its piping, even when it is located inside.
No, the inspection is at no charge to you.
Our contractors will notify National Grid immediately if they identify any safety issues, and a National Grid crew will be dispatched to the address. Our contractors will also report any other deficiencies found to National Grid, and National Grid will follow up with the customer.
If we are unable to complete the safety inspection, your account will be charged a $100 penalty, and your gas service may be subject to disconnection for safety reasons.
If you are a tenant who does not have access to the meter, you must provide the contact information of the person who does have access, such as the property owner or building manager/super. After the inspection has been completed, the fee will be refunded to you. All inspections must be completed to continue service.
Committed to your safety
National Grid is guided by an Integrity Management Program (IMP), which has been developed in accordance with rules established by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and local state regulatory agencies, which govern the program. The primary goal is to continuously improve safety by identifying, assessing, and managing risks to natural gas pipelines.
At National Grid, we are committed to the safe operation of all our natural gas
- Built upon our already extensive integrity management programs to meet or exceed new federal IMP regulations.
- Identified pipelines in the IMP to federal and state regulators.
- Use the best technologies available to continually assess pipeline integrity through leakage surveys, monitoring of our corrosion prevention technologies and other such programs.
- Use up to three different assessment methods to assure that we identify any areas of concern, which are prioritized and managed according to established and approved engineering practices.
- Use damage prevention methods that include ongoing patrols, construction inspection, periodic reassessments, and active participation in state-wide damage prevention programs.
- Use communications plans that have been developed to inform and educate the public, emergency responders and other officials about gas pipelines, their safety and integrity and how all parties can contribute to even greater gas pipeline safety.
Customers may request installation of an excess flow valve (EFV), a safety device that slows the flow of natural gas in the event of a service line break. An EFV is not required for normal operation of your gas line. In fact, you may already have an EFV installed.
There is a charge for this service. Certain conditions must exist for this installation.
For more information, please email nycgss@nationalgrid.com or call 1-877-MyNGrid (877-696-4743).
Ice and snow buildup around fresh air and appliance exhaust vents may result in equipment malfunction and carbon monoxide buildup. Remove ice and snowbanks regularly. Also identify the location of your meter so it doesn’t get hit during snow removal.
In 2017 we integrated the industry leading standards set by the American Petroleum Institute (API1173) into our existing programs and standards to form a single, umbrella framework providing a disciplined and formal method to manage pipeline safety risks and compliance issues.
Learn more about the structure and benefits in our Safety Management System brochure.
As part of new safety regulations, National Grid is requiring that all Licensed Master Plumbers (LMPs) have their Operator Qualifications verified by National Grid before issuing an order to reconnect gas after work has been completed on jurisdictional piping at a premise.
To get verified, please complete the verification form.