Atlanta Gas Light New Connections: How to Start Natural Gas Service at Your Atlanta Home

Setting up natural gas service with Atlanta Gas Light (AGL) is one of the key steps when you move into a new place in Atlanta or add gas to an existing home. The process can be confusing because AGL is not your gas “company” in the billing sense—it’s the utility that owns and operates the gas pipelines in metro Atlanta.

This guide walks you through how Atlanta Gas Light works at a new connection, what you need to do, and what to expect as an Atlanta resident or newcomer.

How Atlanta Gas Light Works in Atlanta

Atlanta’s natural gas market is deregulated, which means:

• Atlanta Gas Light (AGL) owns and maintains the underground gas lines, meters, and infrastructure.
• Gas marketers (sometimes called “natural gas providers”) sell you the gas and send your bill.

You do not call AGL to choose a gas rate plan. Instead:

1. You choose a certified natural gas marketer that serves Atlanta.
2. Your marketer submits a start-service order to AGL.
3. AGL handles the physical connection, meter work, and gas turn-on.

Think of AGL as the pipeline utility, and your marketer as the company you pay every month.

New Connection vs. Simple Turn-On: Know Which One You Need

When you request gas service at a new or existing Atlanta address, there are typically three situations:

1. Gas is already on and in your name (no action)

• You’re staying in the same home and already have service.
• Your marketer continues your service—no AGL field visit needed.

2. Gas line and meter exist, but service is off (turn-on)

Common when:

• You’re moving into an apartment, condo, or house where previous residents had gas service.
• The gas has been shut off after move-out or non-use.

What happens:

• You choose a marketer and request service.
• The marketer sends a turn-on order to AGL.
• An AGL technician may:
  • Come to your address to unlock the meter, turn gas back on, and possibly relight pilots (policies vary).
  • Or perform the work remotely in some advanced metering locations.

3. No existing gas line or meter (new connection / new service line)

Common when:

• You’re building a new home in Atlanta.
• You’re converting from all-electric to gas appliances (e.g., adding a gas furnace, stove, or tankless water heater).
• Your property never had gas service before.

What happens:

• AGL may need to:
  • Run a new service line from the street to your home.
  • Install a new meter.
• This is what’s usually meant by “Atlanta Gas Light at new connection”—the full installation process, not just turning gas back on.

Step-by-Step: How to Start New Gas Service in Atlanta

Step 1: Confirm Whether Gas Infrastructure Already Exists

Before you call anyone, find out:

• Is there a gas meter on the side of the building?
• Do nearby homes on your street have gas meters?
• Are there gas appliances inside (water heater, furnace, gas range, gas logs)?

If you’re unsure, you can:

• Ask your landlord or property manager.
• Ask your builder or general contractor for new construction.
• Contact a natural gas marketer; they can often look up if the address has had gas service.

This helps you know if you’re requesting a turn-on or a true new connection.

Step 2: Choose a Natural Gas Marketer

You cannot order service directly from AGL for billing purposes. You must:

• Select a certified marketer that serves Atlanta.
• Compare:
  • Rate type (fixed vs. variable).
  • Contract length.
  • Monthly fees.

Once you’ve chosen:

• Tell the marketer:
  • You’re in Atlanta, Georgia.
  • Whether you need a new connection or a turn-on at an existing meter.
  • Your move-in date or desired start date.

They will then submit the appropriate order to Atlanta Gas Light.

Step 3: Scheduling AGL Work for a New Connection

For a new gas line and/or meter, timing is critical—especially in Atlanta’s busier building seasons.

Common steps:

1. Site evaluation

   • An AGL technician or representative determines:
     • How far your home is from the main gas line in the street.
     • The best route for the service line.
     • Any obstacles (driveways, trees, utilities) that might affect installation.

2. Work scheduling

   • AGL sets a date to:
     • Run the service line from the main to your property.
     • Install the meter where gas will enter your home.
   • Homeowners, builders, or contractors may need to ensure:
     • The foundation, walls, and appliance locations are ready.
     • The gas piping inside the house has been installed and inspected (usually by a licensed plumber or mechanical contractor, plus city or county inspectors).

3. Coordination with local inspections

   • In the City of Atlanta and nearby jurisdictions, building departments typically require:
     • Permits for gas piping and appliances.
     • Final inspections before full service is activated.

Your builder or contractor usually coordinates these, but it helps to confirm timelines so you’re not delayed waiting for heat or hot water.

Step 4: What Happens on the Day AGL Connects Service

On the day AGL comes to your Atlanta property for a new connection or turn-on, you can expect:

• A technician will:
  • Install a meter if there isn’t one already.
  • Check for leaks at the meter connection.
  • Verify the lock is removed and gas is flowing to your home’s piping (for turn-ons).

Depending on policy and safety:

• Some technicians may not go inside your home.
• You may need:
  • A licensed contractor or your appliance installer to connect appliances and relight pilots.
  • To be home during a certain time window if access is necessary.

Always check the appointment window, and if the gas has been off for a long time, plan for extra time to safely bring everything online.

Typical Costs and Who Charges What

Costs can vary significantly, but this overview helps you understand who bills for what.

Key points for Atlanta residents:

• Even though AGL doesn’t send you a regular bill, a portion of your marketer bill covers AGL’s infrastructure and service.
• For longer-than-standard service runs or special construction, AGL may charge additional upfront fees.

Timing: How Long Does a New Connection Take in Atlanta?

Timelines vary based on:

• Location within the Atlanta area.
• Workload and season (winter and peak construction times can be busier).
• Whether your interior piping and permits are ready.

Common patterns:

• Simple turn-on at existing meter
  Often scheduled within a few business days after your marketer submits the order.

• New meter, existing service line in place
  Usually similar to a turn-on, but sometimes an extra visit is needed.

• Brand-new service line + meter
  Can take several weeks, especially if:

  • The gas main is far from your house.
  • There are permitting or right-of-way issues.
  • Construction coordination is complex.

To avoid delays when moving to or building in Atlanta:

• Start the gas setup process as early as possible, especially if you need gas for heat or hot water.
• Stay in close contact with:
  • Your gas marketer.
  • Your builder or contractor.
  • Your local building department, when needed.

Safety and Inspection Basics for New Gas Connections

When Atlanta Gas Light connects new service, safety is the top priority. A few common safety-related steps and responsibilities:

• AGL’s role

  • Ensures the meter and service line are installed and operating safely.
  • Reacts to reports of gas leaks or suspected issues in the system they maintain.

• Your (or your contractor’s) role

  • Have all interior gas piping, shut-off valves, and appliances installed to code.
  • Ensure the City of Atlanta or your local jurisdiction has:
    • Issued required permits.
    • Completed any necessary inspections before full activation.

If you ever smell gas or suspect a leak:

• Leave the area immediately.
• From a safe location, call:
  • Atlanta Gas Light’s emergency number (printed on most gas bills and local utility information).
  • Or 911 if you believe there’s an immediate danger.

Helpful Local Points of Contact in the Atlanta Area

While AGL primarily operates through phone and online channels, a few local and governmental contacts can be useful during a new connection:

• Atlanta Gas Light – Customer / New Service Inquiries

  • Phone numbers are typically listed on Atlanta-area gas bills and utility directories.
  • They handle questions about:
    • New service lines.
    • Meter installations.
    • Scheduling or rescheduling field visits.

• City of Atlanta – Office of Buildings (Permits & Inspections)

  • Handles building, mechanical, and gas permits inside city limits.
  • Location (as of recent years): often centralized in the City of Atlanta’s government complex in downtown.
  • Can advise on:
    • Whether you need a permit for gas piping or appliance changes.
    • Inspection steps required before gas can be fully activated.

• County Building Departments (for addresses outside city limits)

  • Examples: Fulton County, DeKalb County, Cobb County, Gwinnett County.
  • Oversee inspections for unincorporated areas and some smaller cities.

• Licensed Contractors in Metro Atlanta

  • Plumbers and HVAC or mechanical contractors familiar with:
    • Local AGL processes.
    • City/County permitting.
    • Common connection timelines around Atlanta.

Tips for a Smooth Atlanta Gas Light New Connection Experience

To keep your move or construction project on track in Atlanta:

• Start early ⏰

  • As soon as you know you’ll need gas service, choose a marketer and ask specifically about Atlanta Gas Light new connection timelines at your address.

• Clarify if it’s a new line or just a turn-on

  • Confirm whether your property already has a meter and previous service; this can significantly change timing and cost.

• Coordinate with your builder or landlord

  • Builders often handle permits and inside piping, but it’s worth confirming who is responsible for what.

• Ask about any AGL-related fees upfront

  • When you talk to your marketer or AGL, ask if your project will involve standard or additional service line costs.

• Be available on appointment day

  • If AGL needs access to your property or someone on-site, make sure you or a responsible adult is there during the scheduled window.

By understanding how Atlanta Gas Light handles new connections and how that fits within the deregulated gas market in Atlanta, you can set up service more confidently, avoid delays, and make sure your home is ready with gas for heating, cooking, and hot water when you need it.