Gas Department

When anyone digs in Big Lake, Texas, there is a high probability of an underground utility line being within the dig site. Hitting an underground utility line does more than interrupt utility service - it risks the safety of the person digging and the public.  Texas law requires homeowners to contact 8-1-1 two (2) business days (excluding weekends and holidays) before digging, even if you're working in your own backyard. Homeowners, Contractors and Business owners should contact 8-1-1 when:  building a fence; planting a tree; installing a sprinkler system;  or performing any chore or maintenance that requires digging. There is no cost to call 8-1-1 (website) to find out where your underground utility lines are. 

First, evacuate the residence and call City of Big Lake at 325-884-2511, after hours 325-884-2012.  Do not open windows and doors prior to leaving the residence! Do not turn lights on or off!  Do not start your vehicle if it is close to the residence. 

Tampering with a meter is considered Criminal Mischief.  Penalties range from a Class C Misdemeanor to a Felony of the First Degree, based upon pecuniary loss. Please refer to Penal Code Section 28.03 in it's entirety for complete information.    

Sec. 28.03.  CRIMINAL MISCHIEF.  (a)  A person commits an offense if, without the effective consent of the owner: 

c)  For the purposes of this section, it shall be presumed that a person who is receiving the economic benefit of public communications, public water, gas, or power supply, has knowingly tampered with the tangible property of the owner if the communication or supply has been:

(1)  diverted from passing through a metering device;  or

(2)  prevented from being correctly registered by a metering device;  or

(3)  activated by any device installed to obtain public communications, public water, gas, or power supply without a                       metering device.

Inside City limits minimum base rate is $30.00 for 2 MCF.  Over 2 MCF is $15.00 per MCF.  See the full Utility Services and Fee Structures by visiting the Ordinances page. 

The City of Big Lake performs yearly leak surveys during the summer months.  Employees are checking for any gas leaks that may have not been previously reported.

Contact the City of Big Lake at 325-884-2511 to report the odor of gas.  The Gas Department employees will investigate the area for possible gas leaks.  The odor of gas can travel through sewer lines increasing the importance of reporting odors of gas.