Commercial Frequently Asked Questions
To help you understand our commercial services, we have provided a list of frequently asked questions. If your questions have not been answered, please submit contact us to submit your question.
Q: Is natural gas available at my site?
A: Please contact your sales representative directly.
Q: 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?
A: Contact your sales representative for solutions to your business needs.
Q: I need to size a customer service line. What is your main line pressure in front of my site?
A: Please contact your sales representative directly. He or she can help you answer specific questions about your business.
Q: What fees do I need to pay? Are there any application fees, tapping fees, or capacity charges? Do I have to buy the meter?
A: We do not have any fees associated with applications, main line tapping or capacity. We will provide the meter, meter bar, strainer, regulators, lockable stop valve at no cost to the customer, however, the customer must have a plumber install the components consistent with our standard installation drawings. In addition, the customer's plumber must provide the needed pipe and fittings to make the meter setting complete.
Q: Who taps the main in the street?
A: The U.S. Department of Transportation requires that Columbia taps the main line.
Q: Who installs the line from the main in the street up to my building?
A: The line you are referring to is called the customer service line.
The State of Ohio requires the customer to install and maintain the customer
service line. To ensure that the specific requirements for the installation
are met, please contact your sales representative to schedule a consultation.
He or she will be happy to explain the details.
Q: How deep must the customer service line be installed?
A: We require a minimum of 18" of cover.
Q: I am concerned about the appearance of the meter setting; what are your requirements about the location of the meter?
A: There are some specific requirements for the installation of meter
settings, please contact your sales representative to schedule a consultation.
They will be happy to explain the details, including acceptable locations,
sizes, screening, protection, etc.
Q: The meter setting would be much less obtrusive if can paint it
to match the building. Is that a problem?
A: You may paint the meter and accessories any color you wish. Our only
restrictions are:
- 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.
Q: 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.
A: This information can be obtained by calling the Ohio Utilities Protection
Service (OUPS) at 1-800-362-2764.
Q: We currently have natural gas at our facility and are planning
to add equipment. Will our current meter be of sufficient capacity?
A: Please contact your Sales Representative for information about your
company's particular needs.
Q: How quickly can I obtain natural gas service?
A: Two to three weeks is standard. Contact your Sales Representative
and he or she will work with our Plant and Service Departments to see
how we can best meet your needs.
Q: I would like to minimize the size of my house piping. What delivery
pressure can I have?
A: Our standard delivery pressure is 7 inches water column (0.25 psig).
If you have a piece of equipment which requires a pressure greater than
7 inches to operate please forward a copy of the manufacturer's literature
detailing the exact requirements to your Columbia Sales Representative.
Typically increased delivery pressures do not reduce the size of house
lines significantly. Often times the added pressure regulators and vents
cost more than the pipe size reductions. If you would like assistance
in sizing your house lines please contact your Sales Representative.
Q: At what sizes and pressures does it become necessary for me to
weld the joints in my house line piping system?
A: Columbia Gas requires house piping installations to conform to the
requirements of the Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54). Basically those requirements
are as follows:
- Threaded fittings in sizes larger than 4 in. shall not be used.
- Systems exceeding 5psig must be welded.
Please refer to NFPA 54 sections 2.5 and 2.6 for complete details or call your sales representative for more information.
Although the above requirement are the Code Standards we enforce, we recommend the following:
- All house line piping in excess of 2 inches should be assembled using weld fittings and joints.
- All house line systems operating in excess of 14 inches water gauge
(0.5 psig) should employ welded fittings and joints.
Q: How do I convert between BTU's, 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 1,000,000BTU's or just slightly less than an MCF.
Q: What are your current rates?
A: Please contact your sales representative for information about your business needs.
Q: Where do I get information about products such as lights, logs, chillers or boilers?
A: Please call your sales representative and he or she will provide you
with the materials you need.
Q: Will Columbia conduct an energy audit on my facility and offer some
energy conservation options with operating cost comparisons?
A: This is not a service we provide on a regular basis, however, please
contact your Sales Representative. He or she will be happy to discuss
your specific situation to determine if we can help you directly or recommend
a consulting firm more qualified to address your needs.
Q: Does Columbia currently have any incentive programs in place?
Columbia current does not have any blanket incentive (rebate) programs in place. Please contact your Columbia Sales Representative with the specifics of your project. Our Sales Representatives are aware of a number of financial resources which may be able to address your needs.
Q: I have a question about my bill. Whom should I contact?
A: Call our Customer Service Center at 1-800-344-4077. The business hours are 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
