In this article:
- How to check if natural gas service is available at your address
- Which utilities provide natural gas service
- How to apply for natural gas service and open an account
- What to expect during gas line installation
- Costs and factors that affect installation fees
While most homes in Ontario likely have natural gas service, there are still many that have never been connected to natural gas lines. If this is the case, or you are looking to get natural gas service to a newly constructed home or business, here are the steps to follow to initiate natural gas service.
1. Contact Your Local Natural Gas Utility
There are two main natural gas utilities in Ontario: Enbridge Gas and Natural Resource Gas, with the vast majority of people receiving service from Enbridge. The Ontario Energy Board’s natural gas utilities page can help you identify your local utility.
Once you have found your utility, give them a call and ask whether they provide service at your address. If not, service may not be available or may require additional arrangements or expansion. Otherwise, you will be able to proceed.
2. Have a Licensed Contractor Install Gas Appliances
If you are having a gas service set up, you likely want to have gas appliances installed in your home. It is extremely important that you employ a contractor licensed to work on gas and HVAC systems. All qualified contractors in Ontario are required to be certified through the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), typically holding a valid gas technician certification (e.g., G2 or G1).
3. Apply for Natural Gas Service
You or your contractor will have to submit a request for natural gas service to the local utility. In many cases, your contractor will provide the necessary technical details and measurements required for the application.
4. Open an Account with Your Gas Utility
Now it’s time to contact your utility to open an account. A representative from the utility may assess your property to determine the requirements and complexity of installing a gas line.
In many cases, the utility will install a gas line at little or no upfront cost, depending on factors such as distance from the main line and site conditions. However, additional charges may apply for longer distances or more complex installations.
5. Gas Connection Installation
Gas utilities often have a backlog of work, so it may take several weeks or longer after approval of your service application for workers to come out and install your gas line and gas meter.
6. Appliance Installation
At this point, your contractor will come out and install your gas appliances, once the necessary lines and connections have been installed.
7. Gas Equipment Inspection
Now that everything is in place, your contractor will inspect the natural gas equipment and appliances to ensure they meet safety requirements. In some cases, inspections may also involve the Technical Standards and Safety Authority. Contact your contractor or utility to confirm inspection and activation requirements.
Key takeaways:
- Most natural gas service in Ontario is provided by Enbridge Gas, with some regions served by Natural Resource Gas.
- Not all properties have access to natural gas (service availability depends on infrastructure and location).
- Installation timelines can vary and may take several weeks.
- Customers should confirm service, costs, and timelines directly with their utility before proceeding.
