New Ulm’s natural gas is purchased through British Petroleum (BP) of Canada. All purchased gas is transported and delivered to New Ulm via pipeline from the Northern Border Pipeline to Trimont, Minnesota, where it is then transferred to the Hutchinson pipeline for delivery to New Ulm. The gas is then distributed to our customers at various pressures. Twelve pressure reducing stations are used to provide gas to our 6,000 residential and business customers.
Annual Leak Survey
One of the Natural Gas Department's goals is to promote natural gas safety throughout our community. Gas Department employees conduct their annual leak survey of gas meters, services and mains every summer. This survey is a requirement of Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety (MNOPS). Utilities staff may pass through your yard unannounced during this survey to test equipment.
Equipment Maintenance
Gas Department employees also routinely replace meters every fall and winter to keep our equipment updated. The department maintains 101 miles of pipeline distributed at 80 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) and 5 psig.