Black Hills Energy relocating meters

McCOOK, Neb. — In an effort to ensure safe and reliable natural gas service for residents in McCook, Nebraska, Black Hills Energy has announced a proactive initiative to upgrade natural gas meters in the area.

Starting this March, residents may notice Black Hills Energy crews working in neighborhood alleyways as part of this upgrade project. Approximately 529 residential and commercial meters serving customers in and around McCook will be replaced.

The decision to locate gas meters at or near structures follows industry standards and aims to minimize the risk of damage from vehicles while reducing the likelihood of service interruptions during routine maintenance.

Justin Gould, senior operations manager for Black Hills Energy, emphasized the importance of the upgrade in meeting current and future energy needs while maintaining reliability. “We understand updating natural gas service can impact our neighbors’ lives and businesses,” Gould stated, “and we will work to minimize disruptions and restore our work area to its original state.”

During the upgrade process, affected customers will experience a short interruption in their natural gas service. Prior notification will be provided by Black Hills Energy’s contractor, J & G Dirtworks, with service restoration expected on the same day. J & G Dirtworks employees will be identifiable by their company-branded attire and vehicles.

Excavation work will occur at the point of gas service entry into residences as well as where the service line connects to the gas main, typically located near streets or alleys. A restoration crew will follow behind to restore any affected areas, including landscaping or paving.

While traffic flow is not anticipated to be significantly impacted, signage will be placed in the area to alert drivers to the ongoing work and remind them to exercise caution.

The project is scheduled to commence on March 11, with Black Hills Energy expressing appreciation for the community’s cooperation and patience as they strive to deliver an advanced, modern gas system that prioritizes safety and reliability.