Riser Safety Program

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Columbia Gas is replacing many customer-owned risers as part of our Riser Safety Program. This comprehensive response will resolve the riser safety issue for everyone, at no direct cost to the customer.

What is the riser safety issue?

A report prepared for the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) found that certain types of customer-owned risers are prone to failure.

In 2007, Columbia Gas conducted an unprecedented effort to identify every prone to failure riser in our service territory. In addition, we checked for leaks on all risers and service lines. We immediately replaced any leaking prone to failure risers. All other prone to failure risers will be replaced as part of our Riser Safety Program.

Every customer with a prone to failure riser was notified by mail.

What is a riser? Where can I find my riser?

A riser is the portion of the service line that rises out of the ground to connect to the gas meter. Most customers have a riser, but some customers with an indoor gas meter do not. See the diagram at right – your riser and meter installation may be somewhat different.

Riser replacement – what to expect

We need to enter your home or business to restore your gas service

Our crew will shut off your gas service to replace your riser. When work is complete, we will need to enter your home or building to check for leaks and safe operation of your appliances (this is required by law), before restoring your service. If you’re not at home, we’ll leave a phone number you can call to have your service restored.

A few days before the work is scheduled...

You will receive an information card on your door or other prominent location. The card will let you know that replacement work will take place within a few days, and it will have the phone number of the contractor doing our replacement work in your area. We encourage you to contact them to make arrangements in advance for providing access to your home or building so we can restore service.

The day your riser is replaced...

Our crew will complete their work with an emphasis on safety and quality. The crew will have to shut off your gas service while work is in progress. If you are at home or have made arrangements, the crew will enter come inside your home to check for leaks and safe operation of your appliances (this is required by law), before restoring your service. If you’re not at home, our representative will leave a phone number you can call to have your service restored.

A few days later...

Some customers will receive a survey by mail (see Maintaining Quality).

Restoration

Depending on the replacement method used, our crew may need to dig in order to replace your riser. Be assured that we will dig as little as possible. Also, many customers have surrounded their gas meter and riser with landscaping or pavement, and it may be necessary to remove them to replace your riser.

We will restore your property to its previous condition. This may include planting grass seed to replace areas disturbed by our work. Depending on weather, some restoration may have to be done at a later date.

Maintaining quality

We want to ensure that the work done during our Riser Safety Program meets our high standards. Our crew will leave a phone number you can use to report any follow-up items. Many of our customers will also be surveyed to make sure riser replacement is a positive experience for our customers. We’ll use your feedback to evaluate every aspect of the program.

Columbia ID badge

Our crews will carry photo ID badges identifying them as contractors for Columbia Gas. They will be happy to show them to you before entering your home to restore service.