National Grid delivers both gas and electricity, but through separate systems to different parts of the country
National Grid is a utility company that operates two distinct networks: one for natural gas and one for electricity. Which one serves your home depends on where you live. The company operates the electric transmission system across much of the northeastern United States and the gas distribution network in parts of New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. If you live in one of those areas, you may receive both services from National Grid, or only one, depending on your specific location and what infrastructure reaches your street.
The confusion often comes from the fact that National Grid appears on bills for both services in some households, but the gas and electric systems are completely separate operations. The gas pipes underground are different from the electric lines, they carry different things, and they are maintained by different crews. A problem with your gas service does not affect your electricity, and vice versa.
Key Takeaways
- National Grid operates both a natural gas distribution network and an electricity transmission network, but they are separate systems serving different regions.
- In areas where National Grid serves both, you may see both services on a single bill, but they are billed and maintained independently.
- Not all National Grid customers receive both gas and electric service — your location determines which services are available to you.
- If you need to report an outage or emergency, you contact National Grid through the same company, but the response teams and repair processes differ by service type.
How the electric system works
National Grid's electric network transmits power from power plants to substations, then to the lines that run into your home. The company owns and maintains the large transmission lines you see on tall towers, the smaller distribution lines on poles in your neighborhood, and the transformer that steps down voltage to a level safe for household use. When you flip a light switch, you are using electricity that traveled through National Grid's system.
The electricity itself comes from various sources — power plants, renewable energy facilities, and other generators — but National Grid's job is moving it reliably to your meter. If a tree falls on a line or a transformer fails, National Grid's electric crews respond to restore service. Outages in the electric system are usually visible: lights go out, appliances stop working, and the problem is often obvious once power is restored.
How the gas system works
National Grid's gas network is a system of underground and above-ground pipes that deliver natural gas from regional sources to your home's gas meter. The gas comes from suppliers and storage facilities, but National Grid controls the pipes, the pressure regulators, and the safety equipment. When you turn on a gas stove or furnace, you are using gas that flowed through National Grid's distribution system.
Gas leaks and pressure problems are less obvious than electric outages because you cannot see gas. National Grid monitors the system for leaks and responds to reports of gas smell or hissing sounds. If you smell gas, you should leave the building and call National Grid's emergency line — this is one of the few situations where you should not wait for business hours or try to investigate yourself.
Why you might see both on one bill
In areas where National Grid operates both systems, the company often combines gas and electric charges on a single monthly bill for customer convenience. This does not mean the systems are connected — it is straightforward a billing choice. You will see separate line items for gas and electric usage, separate rates, and separate delivery charges. The bill is easier to manage than receiving two separate bills, but the underlying services remain independent.
Some customers in National Grid's service area have only electric service because their neighborhood does not have gas infrastructure, or they chose not to connect to gas. Others have only gas service in areas where National Grid does not operate the electric system. Your bill will reflect only the services available and active at your address.
What to do during an outage or emergency
If your power goes out, you contact National Grid's electric outage line. If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, you contact National Grid's gas emergency line. Both numbers are usually on your bill. National Grid's website also allows you to report electric outages online in some areas, though gas emergencies always require a phone call.
Response times differ by service type. Electric outages are often restored within hours because the problem is usually visible and crews can work on lines during the day or night. Gas emergencies may take longer because crews must locate the leak, may support safety, and sometimes excavate to access underground pipes. In both cases, National Grid prioritizes based on the number of customers affected and the severity of the problem.
Service areas and what is available where you live
National Grid's electric system covers parts of New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, plus a larger area in upstate New York. The gas system is smaller and concentrated in parts of New York and Massachusetts. If you live outside these regions, National Grid does not serve you — a different utility company handles your gas and electric service.
To find out which services National Grid provides at your address, check your current bill if you have one, or visit National Grid's website and enter your zip code. The site will show you which services are available in your area and provide contact information for that region. If you are moving to a new home, this is a useful step before you arrive, so you know what to expect on your first bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get gas service without electric service from National Grid?
Yes. In some areas National Grid operates only the gas system, and a different company handles electricity. In other areas, both are available but you can choose to use only one. Check your address on National Grid's website or call their customer service to see what is available where you live.
If my gas is shut off, does my electricity shut off too?
No. The two systems are completely separate. A problem with gas service, or a decision to disconnect gas, does not affect your electricity. You would need to contact the electric company separately to shut off or restore power.
Why is my gas bill so much higher in winter?
Heating accounts for most home gas use, and you use more heat in cold months. National Grid's rates also include delivery charges that are the same year-round, but the total bill rises when usage climbs. Electric bills often rise in summer for the same reason — air conditioning drives up usage.
What should I do if I see a downed power line?
Stay away from it and call National Grid's emergency line when ready. Do not touch the line, assume it is live, and keep others and pets away. If the line is near your home or blocking a road, call 911 as well so emergency responders can find the area while National Grid responds.
How do I report a gas leak?
Leave the building when ready, do not use any electrical switches or create sparks, and call National Grid's gas emergency number from outside or from a neighbor's phone. Do not re-enter the building until National Grid has inspected it and confirmed it is safe. This is one of the few utility emergencies that requires you to leave your home right away.