New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E) are reminding customers to grant access to their properties for mandatory natural gas meter inspections. These inspections, required by both state and federal regulations, are conducted every three years to ensure the safe delivery of natural gas to homes and businesses.
This year, NYSEG will inspect about 18,000 indoor meters, while RG&E is set to inspect 38,000. Crews use gas detection equipment to identify leaks and perform visual checks for corrosion on exposed piping up to the meter. The entire process takes about 10 minutes, according to Chris Hepler, manager of Gas Operations Technical Services for both utilities.
If issues like corrosion or leaks are found, the companies will handle repairs at no cost to the customer. However, NYSEG and RG&E emphasize the importance of allowing access, as repeated failure to do so could result in a $100 fee and a gas shut-off until the inspection is completed.
Inspections are carried out by qualified employees or contractors who will present a green or yellow company ID before entering any property. Crews will be in neighborhoods from Monday through Saturday, and customers may receive calls or informational cards if they miss an inspection.
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