I just bought a house built in 1945 in El Paso, TX, and I'm having an issue with my gas meter. It's located about 15 feet inside my property, while all my neighbors have theirs right on the property line in the alleyway. I contacted the gas company, and they told me they can relocate it, but the cost is around $4,000. I'm confused because I thought they were responsible for the meter. What options do I really have here?
2 Answers
Unfortunately, it's your responsibility if you want to have the gas meter moved. The previous homeowner chose its location, so the utility company isn’t required to move it at no cost. They’re pretty stringent about these things. I get that $4,000 sounds steep; where I live, it usually costs under $1,000 to move a meter. You might want to shop around or get a few quotes to see if any companies can do it more affordably.
Yeah, I worked for a gas utility, and this info is spot on. They mainly focus on functionality, which explains the high costs.
The utility company does have to handle the meter, but it's on you to pay for the relocation if you decide to go ahead with it. If they say it's your responsibility, it's tough to argue against it. One option might be to discuss with them having them do the move, and then you can take care of the connection on your end for the extra 15 feet. Just keep pushing back on them to clarify who's responsible for what!
Exactly, I’m trying to let them know that if they move the meter back, I can handle the rest myself, but they insist it's all my problem.
Thanks for clarifying! It's frustrating how rules can differ from place to place.