To help simplify the process of getting a new natural gas line, we’ve prepared step-by-step guidelines that cover the important milestones involved in establishing new natural gas service.
Follow this five-step process to keep your service request moving smoothly and to ensure your new natural gas service is completed on time and to your satisfaction.
Step 1 - Application
After you have secured the appropriate permits for construction, submit your application for natural gas with the proposed natural gas facility installation date. The application, a "Request for New Natural Gas Service," is required for all new line extension requests and separated based upon customer class – either residential or non-residential. The application should be submitted online and can be accessed here:
For those without Internet access, the application process can be initiated via phone by contacting the SoCalGas® Customer Contact Center:
- For residential construction, call: 1-877-238-0092
- For non-residential construction, call: 1-800-427-2000
Step 2 - Planning
After application submittal is received, a SoCalGas planning representative will contact you within 10 working days to discuss your project needs. They will review your application, the obligated service requirements per Rule 2 and discuss the following site-specific topics prior to commencing your natural gas facility installation plan: trenching and backfill provider, meter location, natural gas delivery requirements, easement/access issues, schedule and timing, and other construction matters (grade/riser, curb/gutter, etc.).
Step 3 - Contract
A contract with a site-specific installation, fixed-bid cost estimate will be electronically submitted to the email address provided by the applicant. The estimate includes costs for all appurtenant facilities and fittings, service pipe, metering equipment, etc., in excess of estimated allowance. The allowance represents either the applicable residential dwelling unit end uses (space heating, water heating, cooking - both cooktop and oven required, and clothes drying) installed or the projected annual consumption for each non-residential installed appliance or equipment. If money is due, payment in full must be received in cash or by check, money order, or direct wire transfer, and recorded by SoCalGas prior to scheduling the construction of the natural gas facility. Execution (signed contract and payment, if applicable) is required within 90 calendar days of the contract generation date.
Step 4 - Construction
Once the contract is signed, payment is posted (if required), and all other pre-requisites are satisfied (permitting, environmental, cultural, easements, etc.), your line extension project is ready for scheduling. If providing the trench, be sure to have the trenching ready at a minimum of one working day prior to the scheduled natural gas facility construction date to avoid installation delays or additional costs. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide shading materials and to cover the pipeline once it is installed by Operator Qualified personnel (per 49 CFR 192 Subpart N). It is also the applicant’s responsibility to obtain a final houseline inspection by a city inspector for the meter installation. To avoid houseline approval issues, coordinate with local agency building offices to ensure building code compliance. Meter installations will not be scheduled until the final inspection and houseline OK is complete. Prior to requesting meter installation and appliance turn-on, it is essential to establish a billing account by visiting www.socalgas.com or by calling:
- 1-877-238-0092 (Residential)
- 1-800-427-2000 (Commercial)
Step 5 - Meter Installation
After a final house line inspection, call to schedule your meter installation and appliance turn-on at:
- 1-877-238-0092 (Residential)
- 1-800-427-2000 (Commercial)
Timely meter installation is critical for Line Extension Contract compliance.
For more information, contact: NewBusinessProcessTeam@socalgas.com