Monday, December 9, 2013

Cold Weather Tips from the Southern California Gas Company


The current winter cold snap is placing strong demands on natural gas supplies locally, and SoCalGas is preparing contingency communications to address a potential shortage of natural gas throughout the Southern California service territory.  At this time, there is NO immediate threat of curtailment, but we are preparing just in case.  If you and your chamber members can conserve their natural gas usage over the next few days, this could make a big difference.

·    Recent record cold coupled with forecasts for severe weather across the United States has increased demand on natural gas supplies.

·    SoCalGas is asking customers to take simple precautionary steps to conserve natural gas to ensure supplies are sufficient to meet demand created by severe winter.

·    Use extra blankets and sweaters to stay warm and lower your furnace thermostat by three to five degrees (health permitting). This can save up to 30 percent on heating costs.

·    Limit use of non-essential gas appliances, fireplaces and spas.

·     Reduce your water heating usage: use less hot water, turn down the water heater thermostat and insulate your water heater.

·    SoCalGas also encourages customers to follow these important safety tips when heating their homes to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning:

o   Never use your oven, range or outdoor grill to heat your home, because these appliances are not designed for this purpose and can emit dangerous carbon monoxide

o   Install a CO detector or change the batteries in your CO detectors.

o   Symptoms of CO poisoning can include unexplained nausea, headaches, drowsiness, mental confusion and flu-like symptoms. If you suspect that you or a loved one is suffering from CO poisoning, call 911 immediately.

·     SoCalGas offers assistance programs such as a 20 percent rate discount for income-qualified customers, no-cost home energy upgrades for qualifying customers and more.

For further questions, please contact:
 
Julia Emerson
Public Affairs Manager
Southern California Gas Company
1919 S State College Blvd, SC8310
Anaheim CA 92806-6114
Ofc 714-634-3002
Fax 714-385-3312
jemerson@semprautilities.com