Eureka Springs pipeline project

Yes, the existing natural gas lines are safe. Our plan to update the current lines with modern materials and technology will increase the reliability of our service and enhance its safe performance. Construction is being conducted to meet all U.S. Department of Transportation regulations and requirements.

All replacement and project costs are Black Hills Energy’s and are later recovered through rates that are reviewed and approved by the Arkansas Public Service Commission. Any service or repairs needed on customer owned appliances or internal piping are the responsibility of the customer.

Black Hills Energy’s contractor began construction work in January 2021. We will attempt to notify you in advance of when we anticipate work to start on your property. Preliminary work consisting of surveying and staking the natural gas line has begun. Work will continue throughout Eureka Springs until the replacements are complete.

During this replacement project, we will also be relocating customer meters. Any meters that are located at or near the road will be moved to the customer premise. When the meter is moved, new piping will be installed from the natural gas main line to the meter at its new location. We will notify each customer in advance of moving their meter and discuss the best location for your meter relocation. This is part of our ongoing efforts to move all customer meters to a safe location at the customer-owned structure. 

As a safety precaution, Black Hills Energy technician or contractor will be available at no cost to inspect the natural gas piping inside your home for leaks and to ensure inside piping, appliances and other equipment are operating properly and meet code requirements. If any of your appliances are not operating properly or need repairs, it will be your responsibility to have repairs made before gas service can be restored to your residence. Please call 870-365-2948 to schedule an inspection. We encourage you to schedule an inspection proactively to avoid any delays in restoring your gas service.

Underground boring equipment will be used where conditions allow, however in some areas it will be necessary to dig open trenches. 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. We appreciate your patience as we work to restore properties to their original condition.

Yes. Our goal is always to maintain an open lane of traffic, however there may be times when a street will need to be closed for a period of time.  Street closures will be communicated with the city in advance and will be listed on our website.  Temporary parking restrictions may be necessary in some areas and signs will be posted where parking is prohibited. Public safety and traffic flow are top concerns.

If we are working on your service line, we will need to turn off your service for a short period of time, typically four hours. Once work is complete, we will 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 will leave a door tag asking you to call us to have your service restored when your schedule allows and an adult can be present.

If you need gas service restored, please call our Customer Call Center at 888-890-5554.

No, you do not need to be home when we are 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.

We are committed to causing as little disruption to the area as possible, however we must install the new piping safely and in the appropriate right-of-way location. We will work with each individual landowner to find the best possible solution to any tree and vegetation concerns.

Because natural gas lines are buried, boring or trenching will be necessary in the right-of-way, which may include some lawns. If your service line, the underground pipe that runs from the street to the gas meter and/or home, also needs to be replaced, we will need to dig on your property. Before we perform any work on your property, we will attempt to 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.

Customers can ask the Black Hills Energy representative who will be in their neighborhood or contact Customer Service at 888-890-5554.  Our call center is available Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. CT. Emergency assistance is available 24/7 at 888-890-5554.

Black Hills Energy is aware of the significance of the many historic walls and structures around Eureka Springs. We have partnered with local stone masons and approved contractors who will be making any and all repairs in compliance with the City’s Historic District Commission requirements.