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PGW commercial gas service (new line / meter sizing / activation): Philadelphia restaurant guide

Philadelphia Gas Works

What it is

Gets natural gas to your kitchen: PGW sizes the meter, installs a new service line if needed, and activates the account. The gas piping inside the building is permitted separately by L&I (mechanical permit) and installed by a licensed contractor.

When a restaurant needs it

Any gas cooking equipment or gas water heating. A new line or bigger meter needs PGW involvement at least 12 weeks ahead; activating an existing meter needs 7 days' notice.

How to apply

Call PGW's new-line installation line ((215) 684-6730) with your equipment BTU load, or file the Commercial Gas Service Application to activate an existing meter; a deposit may be required.

Documents you’ll need

Total connected gas load (BTU/hr) from your mechanical drawings
Business tax ID and entity details
Lease
Deposit if requested

Fee

Deposit may be required; line and meter costs quoted by PGW

Processing time

New line: contact at least 12 weeks in advance; activation: at least 7 days' notice

Renewal

None

Who files

Owner applies; the mechanical contractor supplies the load information.

Good to know

Give PGW the full appliance load early — an undersized meter discovered at the end of construction can delay opening by weeks.

Official source

PGW — New business gas service

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.