NYSEG and RG&E Remind Customers of Natural Gas Safety Tips During Cold Weather Months

BINGHAMTON, NY — February 18, 2021 — With cold weather sweeping across the state, customers are firing up furnaces and other appliances to keep their homes warm. New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E) urge the public to recognize the potential signs of a natural gas leak and review the following safety tips about what do if a leak is suspected.
 
It’s important that customers know the warning signs to protect themselves, their families, homes and businesses. Knowing how to detect and respond to natural gas leaks can help protect both individuals and property.

A natural gas leak is usually recognized by smell, sight, or sound.

Smell

Natural gas is colorless and odorless. For safety, a distinctive sulfur-like odor, similar to rotten eggs, is added so that customers can recognize it quickly. If customers smell natural gas, they should immediately get up, get out and call for help from a safe location.

Sight

A white cloud, mist, fog, bubbles in standing water or blowing dust are also warning signs of a gas leak. Customers may also see vegetation that appears to be dead or dying for no apparent reason.

Sound

Customers may also hear unusual noise like roaring, hissing or whistling.

NYSEG and RG&E offer these tips on what customers should do if they suspect a natural gas leak:

  • Get up, get out and get away. Then immediately call NYSEG at 800.572.1121, RG&E at 800.743.1702 or 911 from a safe location.
  • Do not smoke or operate electrical switches or appliances. These items may produce a spark that might ignite the natural gas and cause an explosion.
  • Do not assume someone else will report the condition.
  • Provide the exact location, including cross streets.
  • Let company personnel know if sewer construction or digging activities are going on in the area.

Customers may also view these tips with friends and family via a video provided by the Northeast Gas Association.

NYSEG and RG&E are subsidiaries of AVANGRID, Inc.

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About RG&E: Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation (RG&E) is a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. Established in 1848, RG&E operates approximately 8,800 miles of electric distribution lines and 1,100 miles of electric transmission lines. It also operates approximately 10,600 miles of natural gas distribution pipelines and 105 miles of gas transmission pipelines. It serves approximately 378,500 electricity customers and 313,000 natural gas customers in a nine-county region in New York surrounding the City of Rochester. For more information, visit rge.com . 

About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) is a leading, sustainable energy company with approximately $36 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states. With headquarters in Orange, Connecticut, AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 6,600 people. AVANGRID supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2019 and 2020 by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information, visit avangrid.com.

Learn about the Iberdrola Group’s global pandemic response at its COVID-19 Hub.

Media Contact:

  • Sarah Warren, RG&E and NYSEG Western New York (Lancaster, Lockport, Elmira, Hornell and Geneva regions)
    sarah.warren@avangrid.com  
    585.794.9253 
     
  • Ridge Harris, NYSEG Eastern New York (Auburn, Binghamton, Brewster, Ithaca, Liberty, Mechanicville, Oneonta and Plattsburgh)
    Ridge.Harris@avangrid.com 
    518.502.4550
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