Natural Gas Meter – Existing Service
Photo Details
- Date: November 3, 2025
- Time: 5:54 PM EDT
- Weather: Clear and windy afternoon, 51-56°F. Good conditions for final grading.
- Phase: Utilities planning & verification
- Location: 309 E. 7th St., Clare, MI – exterior south wall
- View: Frontal view of existing DTE (MichCon) gas meter assembly
Description
The photo documents the existing DTE Energy (MichCon) natural gas meter that feeds the house. The meter face confirms the service uses a Honeywell/Elster AC-250 diaphragm meter with temperature compensation calibrated at 60 °F.
Key Observations
- Meter model: Honeywell/Elster AC-250 (residential class)
- Capacity rating: 250 cubic feet per hour at ½” differential (≈ 250,000 BTU/hr)
- Maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP): 5 PSIG upstream of the meter
- Temperature-compensated: Maintains billed usage accuracy across seasons
- Meter serial: 402846406 (for reference when speaking with DTE)
- Current reading: 4379 × 100 cubic feet (≈ 437,900 ft³ totalized)
Implications for Backup Generator Planning
- The 250 CFH / 250 kBTU/hr rating is the meter’s maximum flow capacity before significant pressure drop. Any new connected load—including the planned 150 kBTU/hr tri-fuel generator—must be considered against existing appliance loads (furnace, water heater, dryer, stove, etc.).
- If the combined simultaneous load exceeds ~250 kBTU/hr, DTE may need to upgrade the meter (e.g., to an AL-425 or a 2-psi service with dedicated regulator) to support the generator without starving other appliances.
- Photo serves as documentation for utility coordination and load-calculation discussions.
Related Notes
- Backup Generator Plan – Natural gas supply assessment
- Utilities & Conduits – Overall utility routing