Natural Gas

NPU operates and maintains the local natural gas distribution system that serves Norwich, Preston, and a small section of Bozrah.  The NPU natural gas system is comprised of the following:

  • 156 miles of natural gas distribution mains
  • 7,500 natural gas service lines
  • 9,800 natural gas meters
  • 14 gate/regulator stations
  • 50,000 gallon liquified natural gas facility
  • 2 compressed natural gas fueling stations

Natural gas is widely considered the cleanest burning fossil fuel, and NPU takes great pride in providing our customers safe, reliable natural gas for their residential, commercial, and industrial energy needs.

To find out if there is natural gas service in your area, contact NPU at 860-887-2555 or email the efficiency team.  

Know the signs of natural gas

Natural gas is safe, but like any form of energy, it must be handled properly. It is important for everyone to be familiar with the characteristics of natural gas and be prepared to respond in the event of a gas leak. A gas leak can often be recognized by smell, sight, or sound. 

SMELL:

Natural gas is odorless, but for safety reasons, an odorant called mercaptan is added so that a gas leak can be easily detected. Mercaptan gives natural gas a smell similar to that of rotten eggs. NPU annually provides customers with a “Scratch and Sniff” pamphlet to help identify this smell. To request a pamphlet, call our Customer Service Center at 860-887-2555.

SIGHT:

While natural gas is colorless, a leak may be indicated by the presence of a white cloud, mist, fog, dust, or bubbles (in standing water). Dead or dying vegetation, for no apparent reason, could also indicate a leak.

SOUND:

Leaking gas could produce a roaring, hissing or whistling sound.

If you suspect a natural gas leak, take these following precautions:

  • Do not turn lights on or off.
  • Extinguish any cigarettes, candles, or other open flames immediately.
  • Alert others inside and leave the home or building right away.
  • Call 860-887-7207 immediately from a phone outside the home or building.

PHMSA Gas Grants

NPU recently applied for and received 100% federal grant funding from the United States Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to replace aging gas pipelines throughout Norwich.  To date NPU has received $20,916,261 in funding to replace approximately 10.1 miles of cast iron and older steel mains and associated services.

The replacement work associated with this grant funding started in October 2024 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.    

Gas Service Survey

In accordance with the United States Code of Federal Regulations, 49 CFR Part 192, Section 723 (§192.723) and enforcement guidance from the State of Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), Gas Pipeline Safety Unit (GPSU), NPU, as a local gas distribution company (LDC), must conduct gas leakage surveys in business districts at intervals not exceeding 15 months, but at least once each calendar year; and must conduct gas leakage surveys at least once every three (3) calendar years, but at intervals not exceeding 39 months, for all service lines outside of business districts.

Gas Joel

This is a mandatory safety inspection that will take only a few minutes to perform.

If your natural gas meter is outside of your residence, the inspection can be completed without your assistance. If you have an inside natural gas meter and are not home at the time of our visit, we will leave a doorhanger and/or card with information on how to schedule an appointment at a convenient time. 

Converting to natural gas is easy and economical - NPU has a comprehensive program that combines financial incentives with discounts on conversion costs to make the decision to switch to natural gas the logical choice. For detailed program information, call NPU at 860-887-2555, or email the efficiency team.

Excess flow valve customer notification

As of April 14, 2017, a new federal regulation requires that all natural gas utilities notify customers about the availability of an optional natural gas shut-off device called an excess flow valve (EFV). 

NPU Excess Flow Valve Customer Notification Sheet

For more information on the regulation, click here.

Contact Us

  1. Customer Service Center

    Physical Address
    173 North Main St
    Norwich, CT 06360

    Phone: 860-887-2555

  2. Gas Emergency

    Phone: 860-887-7207

  1. Alternative Fueling Stations

    Physical Address
    168 West Town Street
    158 North Main Street
    Norwich, CT 06360

Customer-owned underground gas lines

Some of the underground natural gas piping on personal property belongs to the property owner. Customer-owned piping is defined as any buried gas line that extends away from the gas meter. Typically, customer-owned gas piping is used to supply heat and hot water to another structure, like a detached garage, but it can also be used to heat swimming pools and for cooking on a gas grill. If you have this type of gas line on your property, it is your responsibility to initiate any inspection and necessary repair or replacement of customer-owned gas piping through a qualified professional, such as a licensed heating/cooling contractor or plumber. Buried gas piping should be inspected periodically for leaks and for corrosion if the pipe is metal. If a gas leak is detected, it may be necessary to interrupt your gas service temporarily until repairs are made.

Customer Owner Gas Line ExampleRemember to contact Call Before You Dig (CBYD) by dialing 811, it is a free service. It is important that you know the exact location of all buried utility lines before performing any excavation project. When excavating near buried gas piping, all excavations must be done by hand.

If you suspect a problem with any natural gas lines, call NPU's gas emergency line at 860-887-7207.