Community Corner

Officials Warn of Potential Natural Gas Shortage

The recent cold snap is straining natural gas supplies in Southern California.

The Southern California Gas Co. on Friday asked customers to take conservation measures as a recent cold snap gripping the nation puts pressure on natural gas supplies.

"We know a typical home's natural gas use for heating increases, sometimes up to three times more during colder months," said Roger Schwecke, vice president of customer solutions for SoCal Gas, which provides natural gas to South Bay cities.

"SoCal Gas is preparing contingency communications to address a potential shortage of natural gas throughout Southern California service territory," SoCal Gas representative Marcella Low said in an email to Patch. "We are asking our customers to take precautionary steps to conserve natural gas to ensure there will be sufficient supplies to meet the extreme cold weather demand. At this time, there is no immediate threat of curtailment."

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Customers were advised to:

  • Use extra blankets and sweaters and lower home thermostats by three to five degrees, measures that can reduce heating costs by up to 30 percent.
  • Limit use of non-essential gas appliances such as fireplaces and spas.
  • Use less hot water, turn down water heater thermostats and insulate water heaters.

The utility also reminded customers of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, advising that residents never use ovens, ranges or outdoor grills to heat homes.

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The use of carbon monoxide detectors with fresh batteries was also recommended.

Anyone suspecting that they or someone else is suffering symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning—which include nausea, headache, drowsiness, confusion and flu-like symptoms—should call 911 immediately.

—City News Service, with additional reporting by editor Nicole Mooradian.


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