Starting Natural Gas Service in Ontario: Steps

You currently don't have natural gas service at your home, but would like to get connected? Here are the steps to starting your natural gas service connection

Don't disconnect your current heating equipment until your new natural gas service is installed and the appointment for your gas meter is booked

• Find out who is the natural gas utility in your area and whether natural gas is available to your residence. If you are in the Enbridge service area, call 1-888-427-8888 to see if there is a natural gas line already on your street and how you can be connected. If you are in the Union Gas area, call 1-888-774-3111 for customer service.
• Choose a contracter to install your gas appliances. Your contracter should be a licenced to work in Heating, Ventilation and Air Condition (HVAC). You can find licensed contractors through the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) or the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI)
• Submit an application for gas service. Either you or your contractor will have to do this. There are a number of measurements that are requested on the application. It is important to be as accurate as possible in order to prevent any delays.
• Open your account with your natural gas utility. Click here for more information about opening a natural gas account.
• Field-costing and your approval: in most cases your local utility will install your gas line for free. However, if the distance between your property line and and the front wall of your home is greater than 18 metres for Enbridge customers, or greater than 30 metres for Union Gas, you may have to contribute to some of the installation costs. Your utility may charge you a fee if they identify any complexities in installation.
• Gas Service Connection: Once your application has been approved, it will likely take seven to 12 weeks for street service installations. This is due to high demand, and may take even longer in some areas. Before installing your gas service, a representative from your utility will mark the proposed meter location and visit your property to confirm the new meter location and any underground services (e.g. underground sprinklers)that may need to be taken into account before the installation.
• Installation: Your contractor will install your gas-fueled appliances after your gas service has been connected.
• Inspection: Once your appliances have been installed, your local gas utility will inspect the natural gas equipment and the appliances. They will also make sure that your gas meter is working properly. If you are an Enbridge customer, call 1-877-362-7434 to set up an appointment for inspection. If you are a Union Gas customer, call customer service at 1-888-774-3111. It can be the same day as your appliances are installed.

Want more specific information about starting up your natural gas service?
Find out about installing your Enbridge gas connection or your Union Gas connection