2018 Inspection Project 

Scheduled Start Date: Mid-August 2018

Project Description

Where, when, and why is CenterPoint Energy performing construction?

Crews from CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractors, Michels Corporation and Rosen, will be performing routine maintenance on CenterPoint Energy’s transmission pipe through the following cities: Dahlgren Township, Carver, Chaska, Jonathan, Hazeltine, Shorewood, Excelsior, Greenwood, Deephaven and Minnetonka. The process began in the middle of August 2018 and will continue periodically along this construction route until late September. 

The residents in these areas will always have access to and from their homes, and their natural gas service will not be interrupted. CenterPoint Energy will observe each city’s respective work hours.

What will the routine maintenance entail?

The process, called pigging, will involve the crews placing tools inside the pipe to inspect the pipe’s condition. Per federal regulation, CenterPoint Energy is required to check the condition of its pipes routinely. During the pigging process, CNP will periodically have to relieve gas above ground which can create a loud noise for a short amount of time. Natural gas odors may be noticed; however, this is a normal process and considered safe. The fire department will be notified prior to any release of gas.

As part of the process, the personnel may produce a natural gas flare, which is a controlled burning of natural gas, at intermittent periods. The flare can be visible to and heard by nearby residences, occupied businesses and those traveling in the immediate vicinity. As the flare is a controlled burn of natural gas, there is no danger to the public or property. However, the public is advised to stay away from the area of operations, which is adjacent to CenterPoint Energy’s facility.

What is CenterPoint Energy’s mission, and how can I contact CenterPoint Energy?

At CenterPoint Energy, we are committed to providing timely and relevant information to our customers and the general public to minimize inconvenience or disruption due to our construction activities. CNP has provided safe, clean and efficient natural gas service to Minnesota communities for more than 145 years. We are proud of this record and strive to improve it by educating the public about the benefits of natural gas at CenterPointEnergy.com/BeSafe.

For any questions, you can contact us directly by calling Tyler Swenson, Pipeline Integrity Business Analyst, at 612-321-5275, or Hannah Gullickson, Communication Specialist, at 612-321-5546. We appreciate your business and look forward to continuing to serve you.