🔺October 29 – We continue to respond to impacts from heavy rain and flooding that damaged an Xcel Energy natural gas supply line and access roads near Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
Additional crews and resources have arrived in the area to help support and maintain the natural gas system. This includes compressed natural gas trucks brought in from around the country to help maintain service for nearly 5,000 customers. We continue to ask customers in the Pagosa Springs area to conserve natural gas.
If your gas service is interrupted, we’ll be in contact with you to coordinate a necessary re-light of your service. For safety, we ask that you do not attempt to relight the pilot.
Customers who need a safe, warm place to stay can contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Visit our Pagosa Springs information page for further updates relating to this event or call our customer service number at 888-890-5554.
🔺October 27 – We are continuing our response to heavy rain and flooding that damaged an Xcel Energy natural gas supply line and access roads in the area around Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
To support and maintain our system, additional crews have arrived to the area and we have brought additional resources from around the country, such as compressed natural gas trucks that are fueling warmth to nearly 5,000 customers in the area.
Another priority is restoring service to the Bayfield area, where we anticipate crews will begin the relight process in the near future.
As we work to keep the energy flowing, we’re asking customers to take steps to conserve your natural gas usage.
Some things you can do to conserve gas at this time are:
• Lower your thermostat as much you can comfortably manage.
• Minimize hot water usage.
• Turn off natural gas fireplaces, garage heaters, and any other non-essential appliances that use natural gas heat.
We appreciate our customers’ patience during this extreme weather event, and we’ll continue to share updates as we have them on our website at blackhillsenergy.com/news/pagosa-springs-flooding.
🔺October 26 – Heavy rain and flooding have damaged an Xcel Energy natural gas supply line and access roads in the area around Pagosa Springs, Colorado. To support and maintain our system, we have dispatched extra crews to the area and have requested additional support and resources.
As we work to keep the energy flowing, we’re asking you to take steps to conserve your natural gas usage.
Some things you can do to conserve gas at this time are:
- Lower your thermostat as much you can comfortably manage.
- Minimize hot water usage.
- Turn off natural gas fireplaces, garage heaters, and any other non-essential appliances that use natural gas heat.
If your gas service is interrupted, we’ll be in contact with you to coordinate a necessary re-light of your service. For safety reasons, we ask that you do not attempt to relight the pilot.
We appreciate your patience during this extreme weather event, and we’ll continue to share updates as we have them.
Flooding safety tips
During a flood
- If it appears floodwaters may enter your home or business, or may reach your natural gas meter, call us immediately at 888-890-5554 to have service disconnected.
- Electric current passes easily through water, so don’t drive over or stand near downed power lines. If you see a downed power line, always treat it as if they are energized.
- For safety reasons, we will temporarily shut off natural gas service to customers who are affected by flooding.
- If you have time, unplug as many appliances as you can, including natural gas appliances. Note: We will not move furnaces, air conditioners or any other appliances to protect them from flooding damage, contact an HVAC dealer for this service.
After a flood
- Follow local safety instructions from emergency response officials. Do not return to your home until it is safe to do so.
- If natural gas meters and appliances are submerged in flood waters, they must be inspected by a technician before service is restored. Call our customer service number at 888-890-5554.
- A Black Hills Energy technician must inspect the metering equipment and an appliance repair professional must inspect natural gas appliance equipment before service can be restored. Note: the home must be clear of any standing water.
- Customers should never attempt to turn natural gas meters off or on by themselves.
- If your electric appliances and equipment have been under water, once dried out have them checked by a qualified repair person before use.
- Customers will need to work with their homeowner’s insurance carrier to discuss appliance and equipment repairs that may be required.