What’s a natural gas regulator station? Why will one be moved in LaSalle?

A Michigan Gas Utilities natural gas distribution regulator station will be moved in LaSalle Township. A new station will be designed and installed.

MGU said locations are not divulged for safety reasons.

What is a natural gas regulator station?

“Natural gas is transported over longer distances at a higher pressure than what Michigan Gas Utilities’ customers use inside their homes and businesses,” said Matt Cullen, senior communications specialist for MGU. “A regulator station allows MGU to reduce the pressure of natural gas so that it can be delivered to its customers.”

Why does the station in LaSalle need to be moved?

“We decided to relocate the regulator station as part of our focus on delivering safe, reliable service to our customers. The equipment at the current location has been damaged by previous vehicle (crashes). The new regulator station will be moved further away from local roadways to improve the safety and reliability of our equipment,” Cullen said.

More: MGU planning 4,000-foot building at Monroe facility. What’s it for?

At the Feb. 12 LaSalle Township Planning Commission meeting, the commission approved MGU’s special use and site plan for a 30-by-30-foot easement on an agricultural property for the station.

“While LaSalle Township did not request that we relocate the regulator station, a permit is necessary in order for us to complete this project,” Cullen said.

How big are gas regulator stations?

“A regulator station’s size is based on the amount of natural gas it distributes and the number of customers it is designed to serve. The new regulator station in LaSalle is expected to be about 5-feet in width by 10-feet in length,” Cullen said.

When will LaSalle get the new station?

“Our relocation project is similar to other upgrades or improvements we make to our natural gas system. Our work includes finding a location for the regulator station, receiving all applicable permits, designing the new station and installing the new equipment. We expect to complete our work on the new regulator station in the first half of this year,” Cullen said.

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How many other regulator stations are in Monroe County?

“For security reasons, we do not discuss specific equipment numbers or locations, but MGU operates dozens of natural gas regulator stations throughout Monroe County,” Cullen said.

— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@monroenews.com.