Electric
Norwich Public Utilities is responsible for building, maintaining and servicing the local distribution system for electricity, including substations, poles and wires. We also purchase and manage the power needed for our community.
Most of the power used in Norwich is generated from sources such as coal, natural gas and nuclear. But NPU also owns and operates three local sources of hydro-electric power, known as ‘green power’ because it is less harmful to the environment.
Natural Gas
We build and maintain the local natural gas distribution system and purchase natural gas from wholesale suppliers. Many customers find it a more convenient choice and it is revered as cleaner burning than other fossil fuels. NPU manages approximately half a million feet of gas mains.
To find out if there is natural gas service in your area, contact Katie at 860-823-4514 or email katiemoors@npumail.com. If you have service questions, please call us at 860-887-2555 or email communitymatters@npumail.com.
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 Katie at 860-823-4514, email katiemoors@npumail.com or click here.
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 extend 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.
Remember to contact call before you dig (by dialing 811), 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.
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). For more information, click here.
Water
The residents of the City of Norwich receive water from two sources – The Dr. Charles W. Solomon Water Treatment Plant, which draws water from the Deep River Reservoir located in Colchester, and the Stony Brook Treatment Plant and Reservoir located in Montville. Additionally, there are two developable water supplies located in Norwich: the Fairview and Bog Meadow Reservoirs.
The Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) received a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Loan to implement Advanced Metering Infrastructure Water Meter Replacement Program in the amount of $1,921,442.56. The DWSRF program is administered by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) with joint funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the State of Connecticut. For more information on the DWSRF, please visit the DPH’s DWSRF website. This project comprises the removal and replacement of NPU’s customers’ water meters and repair of associated service lines. This is a system-wide water meters replacement project that will be implemented in the towns being served by NPU. The project is essential to improve the reliability and accuracy of the metered water use thereby improving the accuracy of accounted for and non-revenue water for community residents and businesses in the areas served by NPU. DWSRF programs operate around the country to provide states and communities a low-cost financing alternative to maintain and improve the infrastructure that protects our valuable public drinking water resources nationwide. For more information on the DWSRF please visit the DPH’s DWSRF website.
Sewer
Norwich Public Utilities maintains and operates the City’s 8.5 million gallon per day wastewater treatment plant and sanitary sewer collection system (mains and pump stations.) The wastewater treatment plant is a vital part of our City’s efforts to control pollution and protect our local water sources. The wastewater treatment plant protects public health from disease-causing bacteria and viruses. By protecting the water quality of our rivers and streams, the wastewater treatment plant allows us to enjoy the natural beauty of our community.
Every day, items are flushed down the toilet that harm the treatment process and the environment. Please review the attached flush guide for what should, and more importantly, what should not be flushed down the drain.