Nebraska accelerated meter replacements

Accelerated meter replacements

In 2025, at-risk meter relocation (ARMR) projects will take place in Plattsmouth, McCook and Scottsbluff.

The goal is to complete between 100 and 500 meter replacements in each community. Right now, customer meters are located on the edge of alleys or along street rights-of-way, and we’re making it a priority to move those meters to safer locations next to your structure. The relocation will make them less susceptible to damage by vehicles, garbage trucks, lawnmowers or other outside forces. We‘ll continue to do this type of work until all necessary meters are moved to or near the structures they serve, which will significantly reduce and possibly even eliminate these types of damages. Setting meters at the structures has become an industry standard, and we’re accelerating our replacements as we are committed to the safety of our customers.

Meter relocation involves installing a new underground service line across the customer’s property and bringing that service above ground at or near the structure. During this process, we rebuild the meter set at the structure, remove the old meter set at the alley or easement, and abandon any old lines that are above ground at those previous locations. All work will be completed at the expense of Black Hills Energy and will assure the quality, integrity and safety that not only meets, but exceeds today’s standards of natural gas distribution to our valued customers.
 

Plattsmouth

In Plattsmouth, we will be moving meters from inside the home or business to outside the structure. In years past, it was a common practice for a natural gas meter to be located inside a home or business, usually in the basement, because it needed to be protected from the elements to ensure an accurate reading. As technology has advanced, relocating meters outside of a structure has become the industry standard.

Outside meters allow our personnel and first responders quicker and safer access to the meter in case of an emergency. It also alleviates future interruptions to gas service during routine maintenance.

Meter relocation from inside a structure to outside involves installing a new underground service line connecting to the natural gas main, which then brings service above ground at or near the structure. 

Project details

You’ll see us working in your neighborhoods and streets, installing new natural gas lines. While the current natural gas lines are still safe, it’s time to begin updating these natural gas lines with more 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.

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. When needed, we may also employ a plumber to assist us with scoping water and sewer lines as a part of our safety practices.

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 appreciate your cooperation and patience as we deliver an advanced, modern gas system that will safely and reliably serve you and generations to come.

Our restoration promise

Our project partners will be restoring any meter relocation excavation damages, including impacts to landscaping and paving. This process is expected to take one to five business days after the meter relocation is complete. Your restoration process may include: 

• A specialized crew that will arrive within three business days following your meter relocation.
• Refilling or patching of any holes where excavation occurred.
• If concrete repairs are required, the concrete will be poured, and the forms will be removed once the concrete hardens.
• Grass seed will be distributed using a mixture of different types of fescue.
• Additional restoration measures may be taken as determined by the inspection team.
• If any unforeseen issues should arise, we will keep you informed.

For more information regarding restoration, please contact our project partner for your community.