Now that you're thinking about connecting to natural gas, you probably have many questions. You also have some choices to make, such as converting your current equipment or buying new equipment. If you buy new equipment, take time to review the energy efficiency information available from the dealer. We will be happy to speak with you about the conversion and we also encourage you to contact your own licensed appliance contractor. Make sure you ask a lot of questions and that you understand how long it will take and how much it will cost.

In order for natural gas to be available to you, there must be a gas main in your street. With that, you can then choose to have a service line run to your home or building and connect your appliances to natural gas. Once you decide on natural gas, you may have some of the following questions:

When it is time to actually connect to natural gas, what do I do first?

• Call the Rocky Mount Customer Service office at 972-1250 and request to speak with a Customer Service Representative who will assist you with your application. You can also visit the office on the first floor of City Hall, One Government Plaza, Rocky Mount.

What is involved with making an application?

• You will be asked for pertinent information, such as your name, address, telephone number, and social security number.
• For commercial or industrial customers, additional information may be required.
• The Customer Service Representative will gladly walk you through the application process and let you know what specific information you need to furnish to set up an account. In many cases, the application process can be completed on the telephone.
• Customer Service will send your application to the Gas Division.

What happens next?

• A Gas Division representative will contact you to schedule a time to visit your property.
• The Gas Division will determine where the service meter site should be located.
• Other locations such as a well or septic tank must also be identified.
• An approximate installation date may be set.

What will the gas service line from the street to my property cost?

• Up to 100 feet of service line for the first natural gas appliance will be installed at no cost to you! If needed, an additional 25 feet of gas service line will be provided for each additional natural gas appliance connected.
• Additional footage is installed at a cost of $5.00 per foot, if needed.

Does it cost anything to convert my appliances?

• Yes. Many appliances can be converted by using a conversion kit. You are responsible for the installation costs, which are based on time and materials (labor, parts and materials, permit costs, etc.).

Can all appliances be converted to natural gas?

• No. Some appliances either cannot convert or are too expensive to convert. You may consider buying a new natural gas appliance in that situation.

Does the City sell appliances?

• No.

Will the City of Rocky Mount help me with converting my appliances?

• The City will meet with you at your property to review your appliances and tell you about the conversion process. Call 972-1278.
• You will need to contact your own appliance contractor for installation.

How do I get the gas lines run inside my house or building from the meter to my appliances?

• You will need to contact your own contractor for connecting the appliances.

Do I need any permits for this work?

• Yes. You will need a mechanical permit.
• When you hire your own contractor to perform the conversion, confirm who will obtain the permit—you or your contractor.
• The cost for the permit varies according to the work being done. You are responsible for the cost of the permit.

Connecting to natural gas is a great idea. Please summarize the steps for me.

• A gas main must be installed on your street.
• Call (252) 972-1250 to make an application and set up an account.
• Meet with the City Gas Division at your property to determine meter location and discuss installation date of gas service line from the street.
• Obtain cost information for converting appliances and installing inside gas lines from your contractor.
• Obtain a mechanical permit for the work.
• Convert the appliances to use natural gas.
• Install inside gas lines from meter to appliances.
• The work must be inspected and it must pass inspection.
• After the work passes inspection, the City Gas Division will schedule the meter installation.

Please give me an example of how I can save money using natural gas.

The following is a sample comparison of residential energy costs so you can review the differences that occur based on fuel choices. They may not exactly match or predict your household—your actual energy use, cost and savings may be different, depending on how you use your energy.

Residential Annual Energy Cost Comparison

Home Heating Water Heating Clothes Drying Cooking Natural Gas Residential Cost* $1271 $545 $98 $78 If Propane, Cost: $2.30 gallon $1757 $752 $136 $108 If Propane, Cost: $2.49/gallon $1902 $814 $147 $117 If Propane Cost: $2.60/gallon $1984 $850 $153 $122 Electric Residential Cost* $831 $638 $108 $80

*City of Rocky Mount natural gas residential facility cost of $7.81 per month, and electric facility cost of $9.23 per month, are not included in the individual end-use costs.

NOTE: Actual savings may vary depending on energy costs, size and design of structure, number of residents, efficiency of equipment, and usage.

What’s next?

• ENJOY your new lifestyle with natural gas!
• You will save money, plus realize the benefits of natural gas: comfort – reliability – efficiency – cleanliness – control – peace of mind.

 

CONGRATULATIONS!!! You’ve made the natural energy choice!

Important telephone numbers to remember:

Customer Service (To set up your account, Questions about Billing and Credit, Account and consumption information):
(252) 972-1250

SOS Help Line to report an electric power outage:
(252) 972-1278

Gas emergencies, gas & electric service calls:
(252) 972-1278

General gas inquiries:
(252) 972-1278

Water and sewer service calls:
(252) 972-1278

Street Department:
(252) 972-1296

Thank You!