Major Accounts

Existing Customers

Service Request to Add Gas Loads to an Existing Structure

We've outlined some guidelines to make adding gas load to your existing service easy for you.

Definition of added gas loads

• Customers requiring gas service for manufacturing process equipment. Added gas loads are new to an existing facility and are added to an existing gas service and meter.

It's best to tie new load into existing internal piping and meter. Huge savings can be realized with increased load on an account. Due to limitations, new meters may be needed to accommodate the additional load.

Step 1: Initial Meeting
Your Piedmont Major Account Services Representative meets with you or your contractor and gathers the following information. Please provide these items in writing. (To determine your Major Account Services Representative, look for your city in Contacts.) 

• Existing connected gas load and the new connected gas load (maximum input rating in BTU/Hr, CFH or MBH - for each piece of equipment, including any space heating equipment)                      
• Requested delivery pressure output of the meter. If you're requesting a change in delivery pressure, please consult with a mechanical contractor to review the compatibility of existing regulators and piping                       
• Operating hours and special equipment conditions. For example; if the gas load includes multiple boilers and one is used as a "standby" boiler, please note that)                      
• If added gas load is for an addition to a facility, we need a site plan showing any changes in meter location and any future expansion plans. A construction timeline helps to establish a timeframe for relocating service lines

After your Piedmont representative gathers the above information for approval,

• S/he prepares the paperwork and submits the increased gas load for Piedmont's approval                      
• Piedmont reviews the connected load, the estimated revenue, project's payback and the associated costs to serve you

If the project has a favorable rate of return, it's likely to be approved. For projects that don't have a favorable rate of return, options, such as customer contributions toward construction costs may need to be considered.

Once a project has been approved, Piedmont's Major Account Services Representative processes orders for new meters, relocation of service lines or service line replacements.

Step 2: Gas service lines installed
If your gas service line cannot accommodate the additional gas load, then a new gas service line has to be run from the gas line in the street to your meter. The gas service line will be installed prior to any meter replacements. Since excavating is required, special circumstances, such as a need to run the gas service line prior to asphalt or concrete installation should be discussed at the initial meeting with Piedmont's Major Account Services Representative. We make every effort to honor such requests.

Step 3: Gas meter customization
Gas meters for large volume customers require a large flow rate and have to be designed and constructed based on individual requirements. For meter customization please plan for: 

• Winter: 8 to 10 weeks                      
• Spring/Summer/Fall: 6 to 8 weeks

Larger gas meters sometimes require a concrete pad. If space around the meter is limited, please tell your Piedmont representative.

Step 4: Inspection approvals
Appropriate city or county inspection approvals of gas piping and hardware downstream of the meter set are the customer's responsibility. A gas meter cannot be installed until the inspection has been approved and released to Piedmont.

Step 5: Meter installation
Meter installation occurs as soon as possible after Piedmont receives the inspection release. If special scheduling is necessary, please tell your Piedmont representative.

Customers may experience an interruption in gas service if a meter requires replacement. In most cases, the new meter will be installed and the old meter removed the same day. Please allow a minimum of one day for the meter installation realizing that very large meters may take longer. It may be possible to have the meter installed on a weekend at an additional cost. Check with your Piedmont representative.

Step 6: Pressure check
Piedmont designs and stocks meters delivering outlet pressures of 7 inches w.c. (approx. ¼ psig), 2 psig and 5 psig. If a delivery pressure higher than 5 psig is needed, special approvals must be received from our engineering department. Complete the following form -- either Existing Meter Sets (PDF) or New Meter Sets (PDF)-- and give to your Piedmont representative.

PNY's Meter Set Forms are available in Portable Document Format (PDF) and require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.

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