Untitled Document

What is ComfortSystems gas main extension policy?
In 1998, a new gas main extension policy was established. You may now choose to pay a special rate, which, for a typical customer, adds approximately $5.12 per month to your bill. This special rate adds $0.0404 to the current gas rate. It expires in 2013. That means the amount you pay for gas main extension to your home depends on how much gas you use. Or you can select a fair share buy out option. Customers may contact Comforts Systems at 730-4050 to find out the buy-out..

What are the gas installation requirements?
This is a two part process:
• The availability of natural gas is determined by the Engineering Division located at 211 City Hall. Phone number: 730-5200.
• An account must be opened with the Customer Service Division located at Garfield Service Center, 730-4050.

When building your new home, your natural gas service cannot be installed until::
• The "application for service" is completed and signed
• The official address has been established on a building permit
• The building foundation has been constructed and backfilled to finished grade
• The site grading has been established and completed to within a few inches of finished grade

What are ComfortSystems gas installation policies?
Your gas service will be furnished and installed by ComfortSystems according to the main extension policy, as long as the following conditions are met:
• Service line is the initial installation to the primary structure on the property
• Service line does not extend more than 200 feet past property line
•Service line installation is not obstructed by rock or any other extraordinary condition

Will there be any additional charges for the installation?
You may be charged an additional fee for any of the following conditions:
•If an extra branch is required to serve more than one structure on a property
•If service length exceeds 200 feet past the property line
•If service repair is required due to actions initiated by owner or resident
•If the gas meter is to be located beyond 6 feet from the side of the house adjacent to the gas main
•If the gas meter installation is delayed longer than 60 days following gas line installation, a fixed monthly charge will be assessed for residential customers. It is currently $7.50 per bill.
•If you choose to have an Excess Flow valve installed there is a $50 charge.

Can I have my service line installed by a contractor?
You may have the gas service line installed by the Department or by a contractor. If it is installed by a contractor, the Department will reimburse you for up to 200 feet of the service line at the Department's contract price or the owner's actual cost, whichever is less.

What is the policy for multi-building developments?
Service to multi-building developments, such as mobile home parks, shopping centers, industrial parks, etc., may be installed with the Department and customer sharing installation costs. The Department will work with the owner/developer to determine the appropriate cost-sharing.

What if I need to reroute or replace my current gas line?
In most cases, should you need to reroute your gas line after installation, ComfortSystems will do it for you at no cost. Gas service line replacements are also done by ComfortSystems at no cost to the owner.

When can a gas main or service be extended or installed?
Gas mains and services are generally installed between May 2 and November 1. These dates are subject to change due to unseasonable weather or work crew availability. Gas service may be installed between November 1 and May 1 (preapproval is required) only if you provide a trench for the gas main piping.

Due to unprecedented demand for new gas services in 2008 there is a large backlog of requests for gas service lines. ComfortSystems has hired a contractor, in addition to using its own crews, to install services this year; however, requests have outpaced the Public Works and Utilities Department's capacity to install services. New applications for gas service will not be accepted after October 17th, 2008, unless the work schedule and frost conditions allow for additional services to be installed as determined by the Public Works and Utilities Department. This early cut-off date for gas service applications is needed so service installations can be completed as promised to customers before the end of the construction season.

An application for gas service may be accepted after October 17th provided the owner provides all trench excavation and backfilling at no cost to the City.

After October 17, 2008, application can be made for service installation by Duluth Public Works and Utilities in 2009.

New applications for a verified failed existing heating unit will be processed until November 3rd. After this date, the owner must provide all trench excavation and backfilling at no cost to the City.

What about temporary service?
Temporary services may only be installed with ComfortSystems' preapproval according to provisions in the Public Works & Utilities O&M Manual, Section 04.18.05 "Temporary Overland Service Lines."