Atmos Energy is urging residents to conserve natural gas usage during the extreme winter temperatures to help maintain gas service.
Atmos Energy is closely monitoring the weather and staging its employees across the system.
NBC 5 viewers in the Arlington, Benbrook, Frisco, Grand Prairie and south Fort Worth areas reported decreased gas pressure with some having been without gas since Thursday night.
The North Richland Hills Centre and the NRH Library closed Friday after the low gas pressure affected those facilities.
North Richland Hills Baptist Church has opened its Wellness Center as a warming station for residents who are unable to heat their homes. The Wellness Center is located on the south side of the church campus at 6955 Boulevard 26.
Around 11:30 a.m., Atmos tweeted there would be a “significant wait time” as they were experiencing a high call volume.
The Railroad Commission of Texas released a statement Friday afternoon stating:
“The Railroad Commission is aware of some localized low-pressure issues due to extremely high demand in areas served by Atmos Energy, Mid-Tex Division. Atmos is working to increase pressure in the system and to continue to work tickets for customers who experienced low-pressure issues. Atmos’ customer call center is open. Additional resources have been added to handle the call volumes and work customer tickets. Atmos Mid-Tex reported there is no gas supply issues overall in the system at this time. The Commission remains in close communication with Atmos and will provide updates as we get them.”
In a now-deleted post on their Facebook page, Atmos posted Friday morning that customer service lines were closed for Friday, Dec. 23 and Monday, Dec. 26 stating, “Our Customer Service lines are closed today, December 23, and Monday, December 26. Our emergency line 866.322.8667 continues to operate 24/7. “
Atmos Energy offered these tips to conserve natural gas in your home:
- Do not use your natural gas fireplace.
- Lower your thermostat to at least 68 degrees. Consider wearing additional layers of clothing and turning down the thermostat even lower.
- Businesses should minimize energy usage as much as
- possible.
- Lower the water heater temperature to 120 degrees, because it can account for as much as 25 percent of the energy consumed in your home.
- Unplug electronic devices and turn off lights that are not in use. By conserving electricity, you are also helping to conserve natural gas which keeps the power on.
- Reduce shower time and avoid baths. Showering accounts for about 40 percent of your home’s hot water use.
- Refrain from using large appliances like your washer, dryer, oven, and dishwasher for the next few days. When in use, limit opening the oven door to prevent wasted energy.
- If you have a pool, do not use the pool heater. Instead, run your pool pump during the coldest part of the day to circulate the water and prevent freezing.
Atmos Energy also reminds everyone that if you smell natural gas or suspect a leak, to leave the area immediately and from a safe distance call 911 and the Atmos Energy emergency number at 866.322.8667.
Discussion about this post