2776 Hwy 27 – Bypass
LaFayette, GA 30728
706-639-1511
The City of LaFayette Gas Department is an environmentally friendly service within the area that provides a clean, alternative energy source to its customers. It consists of a dedicated, 5 member staff that ensures a commitment to safety in dealing with natural gas.
The Gas Department is on call 24/7—365 days per year—with a weekly rotating staff on hand to meet the needs of the city’s customers.
A Popular Choice in the United States
Natural gas is America’s most popular home fuel heating source utilized in more households than all other energy forms combined. Its increasing popularity makes it an energy forerunner in homes, schools, businesses, factories and electric power-generation plants. This is due to its efficient, clean, and reliable nature which is a relative bargain compared to alternative energy sources.
Our Customers
The City of LaFayette provides natural gas to more than 2,600 customers through a network of underground distribution lines. The main gas lines branch out into household service lines. The pipes are typically made of “caution yellow” plastic or tar-coated steel which helps prevent corrosion. As an industry, steel pipes are being replaced with the more durable plastic piping. The main lines are typically 2-inches in diameter and are located roughly 2-feet below the surface, while service lines are typically ½-inch to ¾-inch in diameter and buried 12-to-18 inches below the surface.
Continued Maintenance and Oversight
The Gas Department also responds to gas leaks throughout the city as well as maintenance on the lines. This includes focusing on meter maintenance to prevent atmospheric corrosion, keeping right of ways cleared and continual testing of large capacity meters to make sure they are up and running in a timely and fluid manor. These are just a few of the many tasks the Gas Department maintains throughout the city.
Each year, the Gas Department conducts a federally mandated gas leak survey in the business district to check for ground and meter leaks. The entire system is also gas leaked surveyed every 5 years.
These mandatory pipeline safety procedures are frequently checked by the U. S. Federal Government.
The Gas Department understands the importance of these safety measures and meets those requirements with a certified work force committed to bringing affordable, natural gas to the city, Gas Department Foreman Duran Rowlls said.
Emergency Information
If you smell gas, or just think you might, leave the area immediately and call your local gas provider at 706-639-1511 or the emergency 911 number from a neighboring home or business. Never turn on or off switches or use a flashlight or a phone in the presence of the gas smell, because an electric spark could ignite the gas, causing an explosion.
Safety Information
During 2004, the Federal Office of Pipeline Safety recorded 48 cases of third party excavation damage to distribution lines nationwide resulting in more than $10 million worth of property damage and four injuries. Calling before you dig can prevent a costly or even deadly mistake.
Customer Tips to Remember
The City of LaFayette operates our natural gas system in accordance with prescribed federal safety standards, but our gas system maintenance does not extend beyond each customer’s gas meter. This is the responsibility of the customer who owns that piping. If the customer’s buried piping is not properly maintained it may be subject to corrosion (if the piping is metallic) and/or leakage. To ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of these lines, the buried piping should be checked periodically. You (or the building owner) are advised to contact a licensed plumber or heating contractor to assist you in locating and inspection of your buried gas piping. If any unsafe condition is discovered, repairs should be made immediately.
Do your part to familiarize yourself and your family with these natural gas safety tips and continue to enjoy the value, comfort and benefits of America’s cleanest, most efficient energy source!
Services and Rebates
The City of LaFayette Gas Department offers several services and rebates through the Natural Gas Connection. The Natural Gas Connection has a show room located at Trion Town Hall 1220 Pine St. in Trion, Ga. They offer gas appliance purchases, appliance installation and repair, converting from electric to gas and offer financing on those services. The Natural Gas Connection also offers rebates ranging from $50-$300 on purchases of gas appliances. Whatever you need with gas, they’ll hook you up. For more information, contact the Natural Gas Connection at 1-833-628-4272. Brochures are available at City Hall.
Click here for more information on Services and Rebates.
Current Projects
In 2015, the city began the process of replacing the aging galvanized piping system with the plastic piping system commonly referred to as polypipe to fit the needs of the modern era. Polypipe is a more viable, environmentally friendly system that offers a longer lifespan.
The Gas Department has over 300 additional gas services to replace in the area, Rowlls said.
The goal, Rowlls said, is to replace around 160 gas lines per year in the next 3 years.
Natural Gas Public Awareness.pdf
This information is part of a public service to City of LaFayette gas customers.
To learn more about natural gas service and its benefits, call our office at 706-639-1511.