Frequently Asked Questions

To help you better understand our commercial and industrial services, we have provided a list of frequently asked questions. If your questions have not been answered, please contact us to submit your question.

Is natural gas available at my site?  

Please contact our New Business Team at 1-800-440-6111.  A representative can help answer specific questions regarding the availability of natural gas.   Please have information available regarding intersecting streets to the left and right of your site.

If natural gas is not currently available at my site, is it possible to have Columbia extend a main line to serve me?  Will I be charged for the extension? How much?

Please contact our New Business Team at 1-800-440-6111.  A representative will evaluate your specific site to determine main line availability and provide information on the main line extension process.  

I need to size a customer service line. What is your main line pressure in front of my site?

Please contact our New Business Department at 1-800-440-6111.  If there is main line availability and the county in which you do business requires customer owned service lines, a representative can provide the main line pressure information needed to accurately size a customer service line. You may also refer to the Plumber's Guide for information on installation of a customer service line.  

Who taps the main in the street?

The U.S. Department of Transportation requires that Columbia Gas tap the main line.

Who installs the line from the main in the street up to my building?

To ensure that the specific requirements for the installation are met, please contact your New Business Department at 1-800-460-6111. A representative will be happy to explain the details. You may also refer to the Plumber's Guide for information on installation of a customer service line.  

How deep must the customer service line be installed?

Columbia Gas requires a minimum of 18" of cover.  

I am concerned about the appearance of the meter setting; what are your requirements about the location of the meter?

There are some specific requirements for the installation of meter settings, please contact our New Business Team at 1-800-440-6111. A representative will be happy to explain the details, including acceptable locations, sizes, screening, protection, etc.  You may also refer to the Plumber's Guide for information on the requirements of the meter location.  

The meter setting would be much less obtrusive if I can paint it to match the building. Is that a problem? 

You may paint the meter and accessories any color you wish. Our only restrictions are:

  • Rust inhibitor non-metallic type paint must be applied
  • You cannot paint over the glass cover on the Index.
  • The meter name plate and serial number cannot be painted over.
  • Be certain the vent on the regulator is not blocked.  

We need to do some excavation around our facility and would like to know the location of the customer service line and main line tap.

Prior to any excavation, you should call the Maryland One Call at 811 to have your underground utility lines marked.  

We currently have natural gas at our facility and are planning to add equipment. Will our current meter capacity be sufficient when we connect our new equipment?

Please contact our New Business Team at 1-800-440-6111 for information about your specific needs.  To assist our representative in providing accurate and timely information,please have your total load information, existing and new equipment BTU input, available prior to calling.  To assist you in gathering this information, please complete the Attachment A form prior to calling.  

How do I convert between British Thermal Units (BTUs), cubic feet (CCF’s), MCF's and Therms?

  • 1 Cubic Foot has approximately 1020 BTU's
  • There are 100 Cubic Feet per CCF or about 102,000 BTU's
  • There are 1000 Cubic Feet per MCF or about 1,020,000 BTU's
  • A Therm is 100,000 BTU's or just slightly less than a CCF
  • A Dekatherm is 1,000,000 BTU's or just slightly less than an MCF.  

Where do I get information about natural gas products such as generators, chillers or boilers?

Link to Commercial Products Page    

How quickly can I obtain natural gas service?

Each location is different.   Please contact our New Business Department at 1-800-440-6111 for an estimated timeframe.   

What are your current rates?

Click here (take it to our current tariff rates) Link to NSS web page. Link to PPS web page.  

I have a question about my bill, whom should I contact?

Please call our Customer Contact Center at 1-888-460-4332 for information regarding your Columbia Gas bill or other customer service inquiries. Their business hours are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.