Moving In: How to Start Natural Gas Service in New York State
This article details how to start new natural gas service in New York State when moving into a new home.
| Summary |
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Utility-Specific Instructions
The process to set up your natural gas service varies between different utilities in New York state. Select your utility below to learn more.
| Select Your New Utility |
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| Central Hudson |
| ConEdison |
| National Fuel |
| National Grid |
| New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) |
| Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E) |
| Orange & Rockland |
Calling in Advance
No matter your utility, you will need to call in advance to start your natural gas service before moving in. If your utility is also your electricity provider, you can activate both services in the same call. Though the time to activate your service varies based on utility, most ask that you call at least 5-7 days in advance before your move-in date to activate service.
Line Activation
The delay to start your new natural gas service depends on whether the home's line has been deactivated. If the last tenant moved out a while ago and the line is turned off, the utility will need to send a technician onsite to switch on your gas and electricity lines. This usually takes around 5 business days from the day of your call, and depends on appointment availability. There is not a way to speed up this process.
If your line has not been deactivated, you may be able to start service without a field visit. Many utilities can activate your new account over the phone as long as you provide a meter reading. Other utilities still require a field visit, which also depends on appointment availability.
Activating your gas service can be done by calling your utility's customer service line. You will be asked for information which includes things like:
- Name
- New home address
- Social Security Number (or passport information)
- Expected move-in date
- Telephone Number
- Email Address
- Date of birth
- If rental home - lease type
Transferring Service
If your old and new home are served by the same utility, you will be able to stop service in your old home and start it in your new home during the same phone call. You will be asked for less information, usually just your utility account number, name, move-out and move-in dates, as well as new address. For utility-specific instructions, see the table above.
Choosing an alternative Energy Service Company (ESCO)
Since the liberalization of New York's energy markets, most New Yorkers now have the right to choose an alternative electricity and gas supplier. Your local utility - listed in the table above - historically was the only one which could serve your area. Now you can pick an ESCO based on price and other important factors to you.
How Does it Work - Default Utility Service
Normally, your local utility is in charge of your natural gas supply and delivery. Delivery charges are all the costs related to maintaining natural gas transmission and delivery infrastructure, including things like pipelines, as well as costs associated with delivering natural gas to your home. Supply costs are based on the actual amount of natural gas you use per month, and they also cover administrative and customer service charges. When you call to set up service with your new utility, they will automatically be in charge of both your delivery and supply.
Making the Change
With New York's Power to Choose program, you can pick an alternative ESCO to cover your natural gas supply charges. The good news for consumers is that ESCOs must compete with each other and with your local utility to offer the lowest prices, and you can often save money by switching.
If you choose an ESCO, your local utility will still be in charge of your natural gas delivery. This means that all issues related to natural gas outages will still be the domain of your local utility, so there will be no interruption of service after making the change. On a day to day scope you will be interacting primarily with your ESCO. After making the switch you will receive two bills: One from your local utility for delivery charges, and the other from your ESCO for supply.
Setting up New Electricity Service
If you are not sure how to proceed to activate electricity in your new home, you can also read our new electricity service article.