National Grid (Gas Service)

National Grid (Gas Service)
A National Grid service vehicle in Queens on Long Island. The company is the region’s primary natural gas provider, serving both Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The company serves a total of more than 1.8 million customers in New York State. File photo: Janet Julie Vanatko, licensed.

National Grid is the primary provider of natural gas service across most of Long Island, supplying energy for home heating, cooking, hot water, and industrial use. The company serves more than 1.8 million customers in New York State, including the majority of households and businesses in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Unlike electricity, which is managed by LIPA and distributed by PSEG Long Island, natural gas service is fully operated by National Grid, making it one of the Island’s most important utilities.

Service Area

On Long Island, National Grid provides service to:

  • Nassau County – Nearly all communities, with a few exceptions in certain villages.
  • Suffolk County – Extensive coverage, though some eastern areas still rely on oil heat or propane.
  • Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island – Beyond Long Island proper, National Grid also serves New York City boroughs, tying into its larger New York Metro operations.

Operations and Infrastructure

National Grid operates and maintains a vast network of:

  • Underground natural gas pipelines delivering energy directly into homes and businesses.
  • Compressor stations and regulators that manage flow and pressure.
  • Emergency response teams that address gas leaks and safety concerns 24/7.
  • Infrastructure modernization projects that replace older pipes with safer, more efficient materials.

Safety and Customer Service

Because natural gas can be dangerous if leaks occur, National Grid emphasizes safety through:

  • 24-hour emergency response lines for reporting gas odors or leaks.
  • Regular safety inspections and proactive pipeline replacement programs.
  • Public safety campaigns reminding residents to call 811 before you dig to avoid striking gas lines.

For customer needs such as billing, service turn-ons/offs, or account management, National Grid offers both online and phone support, as well as service centers throughout the region.

Clean Energy and the Future

National Grid has been investing in cleaner energy initiatives, including:

  • Reducing pipeline methane leaks to lower emissions.
  • Exploring renewable natural gas (RNG) and hydrogen blending as alternatives to traditional fossil fuels.
  • Supporting state goals under the New York Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which calls for reduced reliance on fossil fuels in the coming decades.

Oversight and Regulation

National Grid is regulated by the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC), which oversees rates, safety standards, and infrastructure investments. This ensures that customers are protected while also allowing for system upgrades and modernization.

Local Role

National Grid’s role in supplying natural gas makes it an essential part of daily life on Long Island. From heating homes in the winter to fueling local businesses and industries, the company’s infrastructure keeps much of the region running.

For residents, understanding National Grid’s role is important for:

  • Billing questions and energy efficiency programs.
  • Emergency response if you smell gas or suspect a leak.
  • Future energy planning, as New York shifts toward renewable energy sources and reduces fossil fuel dependence.