Commercial FAQs
Is natural gas available at my site?
Please contact our New Business Team at 1-800-440-6111. A representative can help answer specific questions regarding the availability of natural gas. Please have information available regarding intersecting streets to the left and right of your site.
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?
Please contact our New Business Department at 1-800-440-6111. A representative will evaluate your specific site to determine main line availability and provide information on the main line extension process. I need to size a customer service line.
What is your main line pressure in front of my site?
Please contact our New Business Team at 1-800-440-6111. A representative can provide the main line pressure information needed to accurately size a customer service line.
Who taps the main in the street?
The U.S. Department of Transportation requires that Columbia Gas tap the main line.
Who installs the line from the main in the street up to my building?
Columbia Gas of Virginia is responsible for installing new service lines (including the meter setting), as well as repair or replacement of service lines, from the main to the outlet of the meter.
I am concerned about the appearance of the meter setting; what are your requirements about the location of the meter?
There are some specific requirements for the installation of meter settings, please contact our New Business Team at 1-800-440-6111. A representative will be happy to explain the details, including acceptable locations, sizes, screening, protection, etc. You may also refer to the Plumbers Guide for information on the requirements of the meter location.
The meter setting would be much less obtrusive if I can paint it to match the building. Is that a problem?
You may paint the meter and accessories any color you wish. The following restrictions apply:
- Rust inhibitor non-metallic type paint must be applied.
- 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.
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.
Prior to any excavation, you should dial 811 from your phone to have your underground utility lines marked.
We currently have natural gas at our facility and are planning to add equipment. Will our current meter be of sufficient capacity?
Please contact our New Business Team at 1-800-440-6111 for information about your company's specific needs. To assist our representative in providing accurate and timely information, please have your total load information, existing and new equipment BTU input, available prior to calling. To assist you in gathering this information, please complete the Attachment A form prior to calling.
How do I convert between British Thermal Units (BTUs), 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.
Where do I get information about natural gas products such as generators, chillers or boilers?
Please call the New Business Team at 1-800-440-6111 and a representative will provide you with information and materials.
How quickly can I obtain natural gas service?
Each scenario is different. Please contact our New Business Team at 1-800-440-6111 for an estimated time frame. Depending on your specific situation, please allow a minimum of 30 days.
I have a question about my bill. Who should I contact?
Please call our Customer Contact Center at 1-800-344-4077 for information regarding your Columbia Gas bill or other customer service inquiries. Their 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.