10/20/2022
A crew from Michels Corporation, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, replaced the project’s natural gas mains. Two other crews from Michels Corporation have begun connecting the service lines to the new mains and moving inside meters outside. They started working west on 16th Avenue S. and working east on 13th Avenue S.
10/14/2022
By Monday, October 17, a crew from CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, Michels Corporation, plans to finish replacing the project’s natural gas mains. In that same week, another Michels Corporation crew will begin connecting the service lines to the new mains and moving inside meters outside.
A crew from Q3 Contracting, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, plans to begin restoring the affected areas approximately 1 to 2 weeks after the gas work was done in that area. On the soft surfaces such as boulevards and lawns, various erosion control measures keep the restored area moist, hold seed in the soil, and enhance seed germination. If an erosion blanket is needed it is secured in place with staples. The mesh is a wood fiber that will completely degrade.
What will CenterPoint Energy do?
Beginning on Monday, October 10, lasting into November 2022, and potentially resuming in spring 2023, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractors will work in Bloomington along 13th, 14th, 15th, Bloomington, and 16th Avenues S. from 90th to 92nd Streets E. While Michels Corporation will replace the natural gas mains, connect the natural gas service lines to the new mains, and move any inside meters outside, Q3 Contracting will restore the areas affected by their work. During this time, parking closures may occur.
What if I have an inside gas meter?
The customer will receive a CenterPoint Energy postcard in the mail typically within one or two weeks prior to the day when the Michels Corporation crews will perform the work. The crews will have CenterPoint Energy-authorized photo IDs stating that they are employees of Michels Corporation.
After the customer receives the postcard, the foreman will arrive at the customer’s house to schedule an appointment that typically meets with the customer’s schedule. If the customer isn’t home when they arrives, he will leave a door tag with his contact information to schedule an appointment with him.
Customers are advised to set aside a two- to four-hour time frame for the inside-to-outside gas meter move. They are also advised to mark their privately-installed utilities such as dog fences or sprinklers. Marking can be accomplished with tools such as spray paint or utility flags. The foreman will access the natural gas meter inside the house, move the meter outside, and relight the natural gas appliance pilot lights after the new meter has been relocated.
Customers with outside meters will be notified prior to the replacement or connection of the service lines to the new mains. Areas affected by our work will be restored to their original condition.
What should I expect during soft surface restoration?
On the soft surfaces such as boulevards and lawns, various erosion control measures keep the restored area moist, hold seed in the soil, and enhance seed germination. If an erosion blanket is needed it is secured in place with staples. The mesh is a wood fiber that will completely degrade. Prior to mowing the restored area, remove any loose staples that secured the blanket.
