Virginia Natural Gas Offers Cold Weather Tips January 17, 2003
– Unseasonably cold weather is expected for the upcoming holiday weekend. In anticipation of this colder than normal weather, Virginia Natural Gas wants to assure its more than 245,000 customers in southeastern Virginia that there is ample supply of natural gas to keep them warm throughout the weekend and the winter heating season.
“We are anticipating unusually cold weather throughout the weekend and continuing through the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday,” said Hank Linginfelter, president of Virginia Natural Gas. “Although additional demands are being placed on our system, there is adequate supply of natural gas for our firm customers in Virginia. However, we encourage customers to conserve energy especially since natural gas prices both nationally and in Virginia have recently increased.”
There is a number of very simple energy conservation tips that customers are encouraged to follow:
- Set the thermostat at 68 degrees or lower;
- Lower the thermostat to 65 degrees while sleeping;
- Seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings, such as pipes or ducts – with caulking or weather-stripping;
- Set water heater temperatures at 120 degrees, and install water-flow restrictors in showerheads and faucets;
- Change filters or clean filters in heating and cooling units twice a year. Close vents and doors in unused rooms. If pipes or ducts run through unheated areas, insulate them;
- Refer to www.VirginiaNaturalGas.com for additional energy conservation tips.
To report a natural gas leak or any other type of natural gas emergency, contact Virginia Natural Gas immediately by calling 1-877-572-3342. (toll free). For non-emergency matters, please call 1-866-229-3578 (toll free).
If you should lose electric power at your residence or business, many natural gas appliances, such as gas logs, grills and gas stoves and cooktops will still be operational. HOWEVER, your natural gas heating unit will typically NOT be working since the blower and thermostat are powered by electricity.