Wilson, NC

Wilson Energy is committed to maintaining a safe, reliable natural gas system. We are responsible for the natural gas meter and the service line from the street to the meter. Maintenance or repairs beyond the meter—including all interior piping and appliances—are the responsibility of the property owner or customer.

Natural Gas Meter Change-Out Program

To ensure accurate billing and safe operation, Wilson Energy periodically replaces natural gas meters that meet specific age or performance criteria.

• During this process, natural gas service will be temporarily shut off.

• If someone is home at the time of the replacement, our technician will:

  • Install the new meter

  • Turn the gas back on

  • Relight all gas appliances

• If no one is home, the technician will:

  • Replace the meter

  • Leave the gas service off and locked for safety

  • Leave a white card at the door with instructions to call for reconnection and relighting of appliances

If you receive a white card, please call the number listed to schedule a service appointment.

🕐 Meter replacement typically takes about one hour.

Natural Gas Meter Maintenance

Wilson Energy technicians regularly inspect and maintain meters to ensure safety and accessibility. Customers can help by keeping the meter area clear:

• Do not plant trees or shrubs near the meter. Roots can interfere with underground lines, and foliage can block technician access.

• Do not attach pets, leashes, bikes, or objects to the gas meter or piping. This can cause stress or damage that may lead to a leak.

• Ensure gates are unlocked and pets are secured on the day of scheduled maintenance. If access is blocked:

  • We will leave a notice or letter requesting clearance.

  • Maintenance will be rescheduled once access is made available.

Safety Measures

Annual Leak Survey

Wilson Energy performs a leak survey each year as part of our ongoing safety and compliance efforts. 

• Our natural gas service territory is divided into four zones: three residential areas and one business district.
•  Each year, one residential area and the business district are surveyed by a Wilson Energy employee or an approved contractor.
•  If a leak is found:
  • On Wilson Energy’s side (street to meter): We will take immediate corrective action.
  •  On the customer’s side (meter to building): A letter will be sent requesting the customer hire a licensed contractor to make the necessary repair.

City Side = Street to meter inlet

Customer Side = Meter to Building

Excess Flow Valves (EFVs)

• What is the purpose of an EFV?

  • EFVs will automatically shut down to stop the flow of gas in the event of a damaged service line or gas meter. An EFV is not designed to shut off the flow of gas for small pinhole leaks on Wilson Energy’s service line, Wilson Energy’s meter piping, Customers’ piping, or Customers’ appliances. 

  • Decrease the potential risk of fire, explosion, and/or injury to nearby property and people in the event of a damaged gas line. 

• How long has Wilson Energy installed EFVs?

  • The Gas Division began installing EFVs in February 1999 on all single-family residential services installed or replaced.

• How can I request an EFV to be installed on my existing gas service?

  • Enter a Gas Service Relocation/Conflict request through the City of Wilson’s Fix It Application to have a Gas Division representative contact you regarding an EFV installation. EFVs will be installed free of charge upon request. 

Adding/Upgrading Natural Gas Appliances

• Residential Customers

  • Standard residential gas meters and EFVs are sized to run the most common household appliances, furnace, water heater, stove, dryer, gas logs, etc.

  • Adding uncommon appliances such as generators, pool heaters, etc. may require a larger gas meter and an upgraded EFV

  • A contractor will need to enter a Gas Appliance Additions/Changes Request through the City of Wilson’s Fix It Application whenever adding and/or changing gas appliances to your residence

• Commercial Customers

  • Commercial gas meters and EFVs are sized using load information given to Wilson Energy at the time of the service installation/meter set request

  • Adding/changing appliances with significantly different load requirements may mean a meter/service/EFV upgrade is necessary

  • A contractor will need to enter a Gas Appliance Additions/Changes Request through the City of Wilson’s Fix It Application whenever adding and/or changing gas appliances

• Cost of Upgrading to Wilson Energy Natural Gas Facilities

  • Meters will be upgraded at no charge to the customer 

  • EFVs will be upgraded at no charge to the customer 

  • Should a natural gas service line need to be upsized due to an increase in the customer load, the cost of the upsizing may be billed to the customer/contractor.  An estimate will be made before any work is started and must be agreed upon by the contractor/customer before Wilson Energy will begin any work.  Should the increase in load be sufficient to justify the investment, the City may bear part or all of the cost for upsizing the gas service line.