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Natural Gas Pipeline Safety

More than 2.2 million miles of pipelines and mains quietly, reliably and efficiently deliver natural gas everyday for use by residential, commercial and industrial customers.

Ensuring Your Safety

Like all forms of energy, natural gas must be handled properly. We work very closely with industry and government agencies and stay abreast of new technologies and security methods to ensure the highest levels of service and safety. Despite an excellent safety record, a gas leak caused by damage to a pipeline may pose a hazard and has the potential to ignite.

A variety of measures are used to ensure pipeline safety including:

  • Coordination with Dig Safe (Massachusetts) and Call Before You Dig (Connecticut)
  • Visual inspection programs
  • Design and construction techniques
  • Workforce training
  • Industry safety practices and government oversight
  • Pipeline markers and facility mapping
  • Public education programs

Preparing for Emergencies

We work with emergency responders, state and local agencies to prevent and prepare for emergencies through training and periodic drills. These exercises test procedures, logistics, communications and more. Emergency plans and procedures are periodically updated and made available to state authorities.

Commitment to Safety

We work with industry groups to continually enhance pipeline safety and training methods. At the state level, we work with regulators on programs designed to ensure the safe operation of the natural gas distribution system for customers and residents. And, as new technologies are developed in pipeline design, construction, inspections, and operations, we will continue to invest in pipeline integrity programs that will allow for the continued safe and secure delivery of natural gas.

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Pipeline Markers Show the Way

Whether you are at home, at work, or in a public place, it’s likely you are in an area served by natural gas pipelines. Since pipelines are underground, line markers are sometimes used to indicate their approximate location along the route.

The markers display the material transported in the line, the name of the pipeline operator, and the telephone number where the operator can be reached in the event of an emergency. Markers only indicate the general location of a pipeline and cannot be relied upon to indicate the exact position.

Because many lines are not marked, it is critical that you contact 811 prior to any excavation.

Know What You’re Digging Into

The greatest risk to underground natural gas pipelines is accidental damage during excavation. Even minor damage such as a gouge, scrape, dent, or crease to a pipeline or its coating may cause a leak or failure.

To protect pipelines and other underground facilities, the law requires that all excavators contact 811 before excavation work begins on public or private property. This applies to homeowners as well, digging to install a mailbox, fence posts, landscaping, etc.

Dig Safe or Call Before You Dig will contact the gas utility owners of underground facilities in the immediate area so the location of pipelines can be marked prior to excavation. This service is performed at no cost to you. Underground pipelines often run along a public street, but may also be near private property. The area along each side of the pipeline is known as a right-of-way, which gives the facility owner the “right” to restrict certain activities, even on private property.

Right-of-way locations must be respected and are usually marked on maps filed with local municipalities. Dig Safe and Call Before You Dig can provide excavators with specific details regarding precautions required in addition to having the location of underground facilities marked.

Failure to comply with the law can jeopardize public safety, result in costly damages and lead to substantial fines.

Calling Before You Dig

Dig Safe or Call Before You Dig is available to process requests for locating and marking underground facilities near an excavation project. Excavators are required by law to contact 811 at least 72 business hours before excavation work begins on public or private property.

Eversource & Customer Owned Pipes

Eversource takes safety seriously and looks to ensure natural gas is delivered safely and efficiently. We make sure to properly maintain our gas pipes and inspect them periodically. However, at times you may find you have questions about which parts of your service are privately owned and which parts we maintains

We maintain the gas pipes that run along your street and end at your gas meter. Gas pipes that run from your meter to your furnace, water heater or other appliances are your responsibility. If you have an underground pipe on your property that leads to an outdoor gas grill, gas light, pool heater or another building, a licensed plumber should inspect that pipe periodically. If underground pipes are not maintained they could corrode and leak.

Also, make sure the outside meter, regulator and any vents on the outside of your home are unobstructed. Keep them clear of snow, ice buildup and other obstructions such as raised flower beds, shrubs, mulch and stone or wooden walls. Blocked vents can cause improper operation or can cause carbon monoxide levels to increase in your home.

Safety information provided in partnership with the Northeast Gas Association.