Natural Gas Generator Hookup
Updated 2026 — East Hook Heating & Gas Ltd. — TSSA Reg. #FS-R-52587
Ontario asks households to be ready to look after themselves for at least 72 hours in an emergency. A natural gas generator never runs out of fuel and there are no gas cans to store. And no, you don't need a big standby unit to get one — I hook up portables too, with a quick-connect outlet you just plug into.
Typical Installed Prices
| Job | Typical Installed Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Portable generator quick-connect, short run near the meter | Usually around $450 + HST (sometimes $250) | Valve, quick-connect outlet, test and tag — best quoted in person |
| Portable quick-connect, longer run | Quoted on site | Depends on distance and route |
| Home standby generator (Generac etc.), gas side | $900 – $2,500+ | Pipe size, distance and gas load |
| Meter upgrade if needed | Through Enbridge | The meter belongs to the utility |
Ontario's 13% HST applies to every invoice and pricing listed.
Yes, I Do Portable Generators Too
A lot of people think a gas hookup means a big standby unit on a pad out front. It doesn't. If you already own a dual-fuel or tri-fuel portable, or you're planning to buy one, a quick-connect is the cheaper way to get the same peace of mind.
- —I run a gas line to the outside wall and fit a quick-connect outlet with its own shut-off valve on it.
- —When the power drops, you roll the generator out, plug the quick-connect hose in, open the valve and start it.
- —No gas cans to store, no cans to haul to the hardware store at 9 p.m. in a storm, and no running dry at 3 a.m.
- —The line sits there all year doing nothing, so it's ready the second you need it.
- —Everything is pressure-tested, leak-checked and tagged, the same as any other gas line I run.
Portable or Standby?
- —Portable (dual-fuel or tri-fuel): lower cost. You roll it out and plug it into the quick-connect when the power goes out. You're the one going outside to fire it up.
- —Home standby: sits outside on a pad and starts on its own when the power drops. Bigger gas line, higher cost, and the meter has to be able to feed it.
- —Either way, the generator stays outside, away from windows, doors and vents. Never run one in a garage.
What's Included
- —Check of your meter size and total gas load.
- —Gas piping from your system to the generator spot.
- —Shut-off valve, plus a quick-connect outlet for portables.
- —Pressure test, leak check and tag on the new line, as required in Ontario.
- —Gas side only. The transfer switch or interlock is done by a licensed electrician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you hook up portable natural gas generators?
Yes — that's most of what I do on the generator side. I run a gas line to the outside of your home and put a quick-connect outlet on it with its own shut-off valve. When the power goes out, you roll the generator out, plug the quick-connect hose in, open the valve and start it. No gas cans, no extension cords across the yard, and no running out of fuel halfway through the outage.
How much does a portable generator quick-connect cost in Ontario?
It usually starts around $450 plus HST for a short run near the meter. That's the valve, the quick-connect outlet, the piping, the pressure test, the leak check and the tag. Sometimes it can be as little as $250, sometimes more — it all depends on your setup, the distance and the routing. Quotes are best done in person, so I can see it and give you a real number.
How much does a home standby generator gas line cost?
Usually $900 to $2,500+ for the gas side, depending on distance, pipe size and how much gas the unit drinks. Standby units need a bigger line than a portable, and sometimes the meter has to be looked at first. I price it after seeing photos or the site.
Can I run my portable generator on natural gas?
Only if it's built for natural gas (dual-fuel or tri-fuel) or converted with the manufacturer's approved kit. Then I install the shut-off valve and quick-connect outlet outside so you can plug in when the power goes out.
Do you do the electrical side too?
No. I do the gas side only. The transfer switch or interlock must be installed by a licensed electrician. I'm happy to work around your electrician's schedule.
Is my gas meter big enough for a standby generator?
Not always. Standby generators use a lot of gas. I check your meter size and the load of everything in the house first. If the meter needs an upgrade, that goes through Enbridge, since the meter belongs to the utility.
Can I hook up the generator gas line myself?
No. In Ontario, natural gas piping must be installed by a licensed gas fitter, and every new line is pressure-tested and tagged.
Want to Be Ready Before the Next Outage?
Send a photo of your meter, where the generator will go, and the generator model, and I'll send you a price.