By Rory Hale – REALTOR®, Rural Properties & Acreages near Calgary
As a rural realtor in Alberta, I often get questions about essential services, and natural gas is definitely one of them. While many city properties come with established utility connections, bringing natural gas to a rural acreage or farm can sometimes feel a bit more complex. But don't worry, it's a straightforward process once you know who to talk to!
If you're looking to enjoy the comfort and efficiency of natural gas heating and appliances on your rural property, here's a guide to help you get connected:
Step 1: Identify Your Natural Gas Distributor
Unlike your electricity or internet, you can't choose your natural gas distributor. This is the company that owns and maintains the physical pipelines in your area and delivers the gas to your property. Your location dictates your distributor. In rural Alberta, there are three main players:
ATCO Gas: As the largest natural gas distributor in Alberta, ATCO Gas serves a vast network, including many rural areas.
How to check: Visit their "Our Service Area" page on the ATCO Gas website or, even better, give them a call at 310-5678 (toll-free in Alberta) or 1-888-511-7550 (outside Alberta). Provide your property's legal land description or address, and they can confirm if they serve your location.
Apex Utilities (formerly AltaGas Utilities): Apex Utilities is another significant distributor covering numerous communities and rural regions across Alberta.
How to check: Check their "Where We Serve" page on their website or contact their Customer Care Centre at 1-866-222-2067.
Natural Gas Co-operatives: A unique and vital part of Alberta's rural utility landscape are the various Natural Gas Co-ops. These are member-owned, not-for-profit organizations that operate their own local distribution systems. Many rural properties fall within a co-op's service area.
How to check: The best starting point is the Federation of Alberta Gas Co-ops. Visit their "Our Members" page on their website (www.fedgas.com/our-members). You can often find a map or service area details for individual co-ops there. Knowing your county or a nearby town can help you pinpoint the relevant co-op.
Step 2: Apply for a New Service Line
Once you've identified the correct distributor for your property, it's time to initiate the application process for a new natural gas service line. Be prepared to provide the following information:
Legal Land Description: This is essential for rural properties (e.g., Quarter, Section, Township, Range, Meridian).
Full Civic Address: If your property has one.
Site Plan/Sketch: A clear drawing showing your property layout, the exact location of your house, and where you'd like the gas meter and service line to be installed. This helps them plan the connection efficiently.
Estimated Gas Load (BTU): They'll want to know what natural gas appliances you plan to install (furnace, hot water heater, stove, dryer, fireplace, etc.) to estimate your property's gas consumption.
Contact Information: Your phone number and email.
Estimated Site Ready Date: When you anticipate your property will be prepared for their crews to begin work.
What to Expect in the Process:
Application & Quote: You'll submit your application, often online. The distributor will then assess the cost of extending their natural gas lines to your property and provide you with a quote. For rural properties, there's typically an installation fee that needs to be paid upfront. For example, some co-ops cite rural base installation rates around $8,000 (plus GST and any co-op membership fees).
Site Inspection: The distributor will likely perform a site visit to ensure the area is clear, safe, and suitable for the installation.
Line Installation: Once the contract is signed and payment is processed, they will schedule the installation of the natural gas service line to your property.
Meter Installation: After the service line is in place, the natural gas meter will be installed.
Choose Your Retailer: This is a crucial final step! Once your service line is installed and you receive a unique "Site ID" from the distributor, you then get to choose your natural gas retailer. This is the company that will actually sell you the gas, manage your account, and send you the monthly bill. The Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) website (ucahelps.alberta.ca) is an invaluable resource for comparing natural gas retailers and their rates in Alberta.
Important Considerations for Rural Properties:
Patience is Key: Extending natural gas service to rural areas involves planning, permits, and scheduling. The entire process can take several weeks to a few months, so it's wise to start well in advance if you have a construction or move-in timeline.
"Call or Click Before You Dig": Once any utility work is planned, always remember the crucial "Click Before You Dig" rule (1-800-242-3447 or clickbeforeyoudig.com). This free service helps you locate existing underground utilities, preventing costly and dangerous accidents.
Bringing natural gas to your rural Alberta property is a significant enhancement, offering reliable and often more affordable heating. By following these steps and connecting with the right distributor for your area, you'll be enjoying the benefits in no time!
