Virginia Natural Gas Crews Brave Hurricane to Serve Customers September 19, 2003
NORFOLK, Va. - (Sept. 19, 2003) - Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) crews responded to gas leaks throughout the night Thursday evening and into Friday morning as Hurricane Isabel wreaked havoc in the Hampton Roads area.
Friday, crews continued to respond to incoming requests for help and to reconnect customers who lost gas service. VNG president Hank Linginfelter predicted that those numbers will climb as residents who were evacuated return home.
VNG urges customers to be aware of underground utilities when starting repairs and cleaning up from the storm. Please call Miss Utility at 1-800-552-7001 before beginning any excavation. Buried underground utilities can create a dangerous situation unless properly located by the utility operator. This is a free service to the homeowner.
VNG's parent company, AGL Resources Inc. (NYSE: ATG), dispatched experienced gas crews and trucks from Georgia to assist the VNG crews. In addition to personnel, AGL Resources is providing equipment, tools, and logistical support.
"For the past week, VNG and AGLR have been mobilizing in order to be prepared for whatever Isabel might bring us," said Linginfelter. "Customers may experience some delays, but we will reach them as soon as we can."
Linginfelter said that some gas service may have been disconnected during the storm for safety reasons. If customers find their gas service has been shut off, they will need to call the VNG Customer Care Center telephone number (1-866-229-3578) to have service restored.
If at any time residents smell rotten eggs or a sulfur-like smell, there could be a natural gas leak. Residents should leave the premises immediately and call the VNG 24-hour Emergency Gas Leak number: 1-877-572-3342.
Customers who suspect their natural gas appliances have been flooded or damaged due to the storm must have the equipment inspected and serviced by a qualified gas contractor. Call 1-800-427-8876 for assistance. After 5 p.m. or on weekends, customers should call 757- 466-5500.
Numbers to call:
No gas service - 1-866-229-3578
Smell of natural gas (rotten eggs/sulfur) - 1-877-572-3342
Flood-damaged appliances - 1-800-427-8876