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.
Julia Emerson
Public Affairs ManagerSouthern California Gas Company
1919 S State College Blvd, SC8310
Anaheim CA 92806-6114
Ofc 714-634-3002
Fax 714-385-3312
jemerson@semprautilities.com