Gas Pipelines

Your safety is our top priority. MGE continually invests in pipeline integrity programs and maintenance that allow for the safe and secure delivery of natural gas. Our integrity management programs provide a process for inspecting and maintaining more than 2,800 miles of natural gas pipelines based on best industry practices. 

We know that safe, dependable natural gas is critical to our customers. When notified of a potential natural gas emergency, our response time has ranked in the top 10 in the country in each of the last nine years. In 2022, the most recent data available, our average response time was more than five minutes faster than the national average.

As new technologies are developed in pipeline design, construction, inspections and operations, we will continue to invest in programs, processes and training that allow for the safe delivery of natural gas. 

Our current integrity programs ensure that we: 

• Design a system with customer reliability and safety as the top priorities. 
• Continuously inspect our system and promptly address any potential hazards. 
• Employ a qualified workforce and provide annual, hands-on training at our state-of-the-art training facility. Our employees are specially trained, through classroom and simulated exercises, in the installation and maintenance of our natural gas system and adherence to all applicable codes and standards. 
• Provide safety education seminars about safe digging practices to contractors and excavators. 
• Partner with public officials, emergency responders, contractors and excavators to prepare for emergencies and establish proper communication channels. 
• Train local first responders, firefighters and police in emergency response protocol. 
• Provide on-call employees 24 hours per day, 7 days per week to respond to emergencies. 
• Maintain active memberships in organizations such as the Wisconsin Utilities Association and Wisconsin's Diggers Hotline. 

To protect pipelines and other underground facilities from accidental damage, call Diggers Hotline at 811 a minimum of three business days before digging. Diggers Hotline will notify MGE and other utilities to mark their underground facilities at no charge to you. 

Accidental damage during excavation is the greatest risk to underground natural gas pipelines. Even minor damage can cause a leak or failure. 

Pipeline markers are sometimes used to indicate the approximate location of underground pipelines. In addition, pipeline markers display: 

• Material transported in the line. 
• Name of pipeline operator. 
• Operator telephone number in case of an emergency. 

Markers cannot be relied on for exactness. Because many lines are not marked, it is critical that you contact Diggers Hotline prior to any excavation. 

Excess flow valves 

Since 2000, MGE has installed excess flow valves (EFVs) on all new, replaced or reconnected natural gas service lines for single-family residences. EFVs reduce the risk of accidents in natural gas pipelines by automatically shutting off the gas between the gas main and the building it serves in the event of an increased flow of gas. An increased flow of gas can result from damage or breakage to the pipeline due to excavation or natural disasters. 

In 2017, federal regulations were expanded to include installation of EFVs on all new, replaced or reconnected gas service lines for multifamily residences and small commercial buildings with capacities up to 1,000 cubic feet per hour. 

If a gas or electric utility is inadvertently installed through a sewer line, a potentially hazardous situation exists. This intersection, known as a cross bore, can compromise the integrity of underground utility structures. 

An undetected cross bore could result in a sewer backup. Clearing a cross bore may puncture the utility line and result in a catastrophic explosion or electrocution, severely threatening the safety of contractors and the general public. 

How does a cross bore occur? 

Trenchless drilling is a method that many utilities use to install underground facilities with minimal damage to landscaping, streets, sidewalks, etc. If sewer lines are not marked, there is a potential to drill through it, resulting in a cross bore. Although this type of damage is usually identified quickly through the use of post-construction cameras, it also may go undetected for months or even years. 

Safety precautions 

Before attempting to clear a sewer backup, consider the risks of a cross bore: 

• Call Diggers Hotline (811) to identify the location of sewer facilities and look for a utility conflict. 
• Check whether there were any recent excavations in the area to install or upgrade utility lines. 
• Plumbers/contractors should use a camera to identify the location of the blockage and condition of the lateral. 

Be aware of any unusual conditions including: 

• Hissing noises 
• Natural gas odor 
• Blowing dirt 
• Bubbling water 

While MGE owns and maintains the natural gas piping from the street to your meter, natural gas customers are responsible for maintaining any natural gas lines from the meter to the point of use. 

Customer-owned piping 

People using natural gas have pipes from the gas meter to the point of use. These lines may be above or below ground. For example: 

• To a detached garage, shed or workshop 
• To a swimming pool heater, gas light or outdoor gas grill 
• Under some manufactured homes 

In all cases, customers are responsible for maintaining the gas line beyond the meter, NOT MGE. 

Natural gas pipes that are buried in the ground can leak and metal pipes deteriorate with age, causing a potentially dangerous situation. For safety's sake, have your gas pipes inspected periodically, and repair them as needed. 

You can find a contractor who will help you locate your underground lines through the Diggers Hotline website. Please dig carefully, by hand, to avoid damaging the line. 

Your plumbing or heating contractor can provide assistance with inspection and repair. MGE will be happy to discuss your situation with you.