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Yankee Gas Press Release
From The Northeast Utilities System
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jeff Tilghman
Office:
(860) 665-3931
AS TEMPERATURES DIP, YANKEE GAS READY TO MEET DEMAND
Company reminds customers to keep outdoor meters, appliance vents free of snow, ice
BERLIN, Conn., January 25, 2007 (NYSE: NU)
— A New England winter is finally in full swing, and Yankee Gas customers should rest assured that the company is ready to meet their demands for natural gas.
“We always make sure that we can meet demand as if it were the coldest day in 30 years,” says Jay Fletcher, manager of gas supply. “In addition, to prepare for this heating season, we increased the amount of natural gas we typically have in storage by 50 percent, bringing our total to 12 billion cubic feet (BCF). And if necessary, the company will dispatch propane from its four plants located throughout our system.”
To prepare for the future, Yankee Gas is constructing a liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage facility in Waterbury, Conn. The facility is expected to be in-service later this year for use during the 2007-08 heating season. Once in operation, it will provide greater flexibility and security of supply. Having an LNG facility will allow Yankee Gas to buy natural gas in periods of low demand and low cost, store it as a liquid, and use it during peak demand periods when prices are typically much higher.
Keep outdoor meters and appliance vents free of snow and ice
Accumulating snow can block meters and appliance vents, causing a loss of heat or hot water service. Yankee Gas reminds customers with outdoor natural gas meters or with water heaters or furnaces that are vented to the outside to keep meters and appliance vents clear of snow and ice to ensure continued service.
Although outdoor natural gas meters and equipment are designed to withstand harsh winter weather conditions, many home heating systems have a safety feature that shuts off heaters when natural gas meters or appliances are not venting properly. To avoid natural gas service problems, customers are advised to follow these basic tips:
· Keep your meter and appliance vents clear of snow, ice and debris
· Keep the meter visible at all times and accessible for maintenance and emergency responders, such as Yankee Gas service mechanics and public safety officials
· Make sure water dripping from your eaves or roof is not freezing on the meter
· Never kick or hit your natural gas meter or its piping to break away built-up snow or ice
Yankee Gas Services Company (Yankee Gas) is Connecticut’s largest natural gas distribution company, delivering safe, reliable natural gas service to approximately 200,000 customers in 71 cities and towns. Yankee Gas is expanding Connecticut’s energy options and increasing customer choice by extending the availability of clean, efficient natural gas throughout the state. Yankee Gas is part of the Northeast Utilities System (NYSE: NU). For more information, please visit www.yankeegas.com.
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