Natural gas line replacement in Kansas
We’re updating natural gas lines throughout Kansas to keep you and your community safe, now and in the future.
We're committed to safety and reliability through our natural gas line replacement in Kansas. We're upgrading infrastructure in your neighborhood to deliver long-term service.
Project details
We continue to work in your neighborhoods and streets, installing new lines. While the current natural gas lines are still safe, it’s time to begin updating these natural gas lines with modern technology. The new gas lines require less maintenance, improve our ability to precisely locate natural gas lines and are installed using the latest materials and methods.
You may notice Black Hills Energy crews and contractors working in your neighborhood to replace natural gas lines and gas meters. This process includes locating and marking underground utility lines. You may notice flags and paint in your yard or around your neighborhood that identify where phone, cable, electric, fiber, water, sewer and gas utility lines are located.
Besides potential construction work in the area, your natural gas service might be interrupted for a minimal amount of time. We’ll contact you directly should we need to temporarily disrupt your natural gas service. We may also need to enter your home to fully restore service and relight appliances.
We appreciate your cooperation and patience as we deliver an advanced, modern gas system that will safely and reliably serve you and generations of Kansans to come.
More information
For more information about this project or concerns during construction, you can contact us at 888-890-5554, Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. CT.
Frequently asked questions
Are the existing natural gas lines safe?
Yes, the existing natural gas lines are safe. It's simply time to begin updating these natural gas lines with modern technology. Construction is being conducted to meet all U.S. Department of Transportation regulations and requirements as part of a 17-year program approved by the Kansas Corporation Commission.
Will I need to pay for these replacements?
No, all replacement costs are borne by Black Hills Energy and recovered through Kansas Corporation Commission-approved rates.
When will the work start and how long will it take?
Black Hills Energy will schedule the replacement work in various neighborhoods throughout our service territory during normal construction seasons. This is weather driven but typically takes place between March and November. We'll notify you in advance of when we anticipate work to start on your property.
Preliminary work may consist of surveying and staking the natural gas line route and any other activity as required by the project. You'll also be notified prior to the start of construction in the form of a letter, phone call and/or door tag.
Will you dig up my yard, sidewalk or driveway, and if so, who's going to fix it?
Before work begins, we'll record the entire construction path to document the condition of the property, sidewalks, driveways and curbs to confirm restoration is completed accurately. Typically, temporary repairs are made to yards, sidewalks and pavement until work is completed. Shortly thereafter, permanent repairs will be made by Black Hills Energy or its construction crews. Thank you for your patience as we work to restore properties to their original condition.
Will there be an interruption in gas service?
If we're working on your service line, we'll need to turn off your service for a short period of time, typically four hours or less. Once work is complete, we'll test your house piping, restore service and relight your appliances. An adult 18 years of age or older must be present to allow our employee to enter your home. If there is not an adult present, we'll leave a door tag asking you to call us to have your service restored when an adult can be present.
How do I get my service reconnected?
If you need gas service restored, please call Customer Service at 888-890-5554. We'll have employees in the general area through 8 p.m. and others on-call 24/7.
Do I need to be home during construction?
No, you do not need to be home when we're working on your street. However, if there is active gas service at the location and it is interrupted due to construction, an adult 18 years of age or older will need to give us inside access to the home or business so that we can restore service and relight the appliances.
Will you maintain driveway and traffic access?
Yes, our goal is to maintain an open lane of traffic at all times. Temporary parking restrictions may be necessary in some areas and signs will be posted where parking is banned. Public safety and traffic flow are top concerns.
Will you need to dig in my yard, and if so, who's going to fix it?
Because natural gas lines are buried, some digging will be necessary in the public right-of-way, which includes your lawn area. If your service line, which is an underground natural gas line that runs from the street to the gas meter and/or home, needs to be replaced, we'll need to dig on your property. Before we perform any work on your property, we'll contact you or the landowner. Once work is complete, the restoration of yards, sidewalks and any pavement will be done as quickly as possible. Typical yard restoration is limited to grading and seeding.
How can I get answers to my specific questions?
Customers can ask the Black Hills Energy representative who will be in their neighborhood or contact Customer Service at 888-890-5554. Customer Service is available Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. CT.
Emergency assistance is available 24/7 at 888-890-5554.