In preparation for this week’s cold weather event, South Coast Gas Co. & Pierre Part Natural Gas will be closely monitoring our distributions systems. Employees will be on standby at key points of the system in order to respond to emergencies.
As the temperature drops, natural gas usage increases. Conserving and using energy wisely can make a difference for both your neighborhood and your wallet. Here are a few things to consider when preparing or a cold weather event.
- Never use your oven or cooking range to heat your home.
- Do not cover or wrap your gas meter. Gas meters are weather proof and will work in freezing temperatures. In order for the meter set up to run correctly, the gas regulator needs to be able to vent if gas pressures fluctuate. You can remove accumulated snow and ice from the meter set with a broom or brush. Never kick or chip away at accumulated ice on the meter set.
- Make sure all external vents for natural gas appliances are clear of obstructions. This includes clothes dryers, water heaters, home furnaces, ovens and cooking ranges, etc. Blocked vents can cause carbon monoxide to build up in the home. It is highly recommended that homes using natural gas appliances have carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure to check your carbon monoxide detector batteries periodically.
- Turn off all out-door gas appliances. In order to conserve natural gas, turn off all outdoor gas appliances such as outdoor lights, grills, patio heaters, pool heaters, and jacuzzies.
- Lower your thermostat. Consider lowering your thermostat to 68 degrees during the day. If you are not home for an extended period of time, consider lowering your thermostat to 58 degrees. This will help conserve energy whether you have a natural gas furnace or an electric heating unit.
In the event of an electrical outage and you have a whole home generator, please consider the following.
- When using a whole home generator, gas conservation can make a difference in a neighborhood gas outage.
- If your home has multiple electrical central A/C units, only operate one at a time.
- Consider staggering usage between gas appliances, so that only one appliance is in use at a time.
- Reduce shower and bath times in order to conserve energy.
- Only operate clothes washers, dryers, or dishwashers when fully loaded.
- Consider your electrical and heating needs. If your family is in one part of the home, make sure to turn off electrical and heating devices in other parts of the home.
Remember that whole home generators are meant to be used in the case of an EMERGENCY. Please use them responsibly. Be a good neighbor and conserve energy!
Although South Coast Gas Co. & Pierre Part Natural Gas have made preparations for the coming weather, the chance of an outage, although infrequent, can happen. If you experience a loss of gas service, contact South Coast Gas Co. at (985)537-5281 & Pierre Part Natural Gas as (888)826-8777 – customer service is available 24/7.
If you smell natural gas, leave the area immediately! Do not turn off switches! From a safe distance call 911 and/or South Coast Gas Co. at (985)537-5281 & Pierre Part Natural Gas as (888)826-8777.
South Coast Gas Co. & Pierre Part Natural Gas will continue to communicate with its customers during this weather event. You can find updates here or follow us on Facebook at South Coast Gas Co., Inc.
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