What is the crews’ progress?
One crew from Michels Corporation, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, replaced the project’s natural gas main on Sumter Avenue S. between 33rd Street W. and Walker Street. Another Michels Corporation crew will begin connecting the natural gas service lines to the new mains. Crews from Q3 Contracting, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, will follow the service line work to restore the areas affected by Michels Corporation’s work.
What is CenterPoint Energy’s COVID-19 protocol?
The construction crews and personnel will continue to use the Covid-19 Customer Permission Flyer, which requests customer permission prior to entering homes. Personnel, contractors and CenterPoint Energy employees will continue to practice CDC guidelines regarding social distancing, sanitary practices and wearing face masks when entering customer homes.
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 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.
Beginning late in the week of August 9 and lasting into fall 2021, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractors will work in St. Louis Park along Sumter Avenue S. between 33rd Street W. and Walker Street. Michels Corporation will replace natural gas mains, connect the natural gas service lines to the new mains, and move any inside residential meters outside. Q3 Contracting will restore the areas affected by Michels Corporation’s work. The crews will restrict parking on both sides of Sumter Avenue S. There won’t be a full road closure. The crews will work on one side of the road at a time.
Beginning on Wednesday, August 26 and lasting for approximately three weeks, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractors will perform work along Sumter Avenue S. between 33rd Street W. and Walker Street. While Michels Corporation will replace the natural gas main, Q3 Contracting will restore the areas affected by Michels Corporation’s work.
