CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. Dayton, Ohio. - March 19, 2024 -In response to the devastating impact of an F3 tornado and severe weather last Thursday, CenterPoint Energy is actively working to restore natural gas service in Lakeview and Russells Point, Ohio. This effort follows a service interruption that has affected more than 460 customers.
Natural gas service to the Orchard Island and Wolf Island areas has been temporarily shut off. Following essential work over the weekend by emergency personnel and electric utility crews, CenterPoint Energy teams have isolated the natural gas system and are assessing which areas can be quickly restored. The current estimate for completing the restoration of service is by March 27, 2024.
"Safety is our number-one priority as we work to restore natural gas service," said Ashley Babcock, Vice President of Gas Operations, Indiana and Ohio. "We appreciate our customers' patience as our teams work to ensure that service is restored as quickly as possible."
More than 70 company employees, contractors and mutual assistance crews have been called to help support the restoration process.
Qualified service technicians are in the process of visiting customers' homes or businesses to turn off the service at the meter before gas can be systematically restored. Following this, technicians will conduct a safety check before turning the natural gas service back on for each customer. If an adult over 18 is not at the service address when a technician arrives, the company will leave a door hanger with instructions. All CenterPoint Energy technicians and contractors wear badges and will gladly show them to customers upon request before entering a home or business.
CenterPoint Energy urges customers for safety reasons not to turn any valves or tamper with the natural gas meter. Opening or turning any valves could allow air to enter the natural gas lines, which would hinder the restoration process. Additionally, customers are advised to exercise caution when clearing debris around their natural gas meter and above-ground piping.
CenterPoint Energy recognizes the significant impact on customers whose homes have been severely damaged or destroyed. The company is coordinating closely with local emergency services to provide support and timely updates. Additionally, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation has donated $50,000 to the United Way of Logan County Indian Lake Tornado Relief Fund. The utility remains dedicated to supporting the community throughout the restoration effort.
If you smell natural gas, leave immediately on foot. Once you are safely away from the area, report the possible natural gas leak to 911 and to CenterPoint Energy at 1-800-227-1376.
For updates, follow CenterPoint Energy on X, formerly known as Twitter: @CenterPoint and Facebook: Facebook.com/CenterPointEnergy.
About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
As the only investor-owned electric and natural gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas. As of December 31, 2023, the company owned approximately $39 billion in assets. With approximately 9,000 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.
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CenterPoint Energy Inc. published this content on 19 March 2024 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 19 March 2024 14:29:06 UTC.
