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Xcel Energy says keep gas meters clear of ice and snow to prevent potentially dangerous natural gas pressure buildup

MINNEAPOLIS - Officials of Xcel Energy Inc., formerly known as Northern States Power, recommend that homeowners keep outdoor gas meters clear of ice and snow to prevent the potential of dangerous natural gas pressure buildup in their homes.

Outdoor gas meters, most often found on the front or side of houses, are especially vulnerable to getting plugged by ice and snow during late fall and early spring, when temperature fluctuations cause melting and re-freezing of ice and snow, said Gary O'Hara, an Xcel Energy expert on natural gas safety.

Xcel Energy serves 1.5 million natural gas customers in eight states, and the large majority of those customers have outdoor meters.

"The air vent connected to a gas meter’s regulator can become blocked if covered with snow or ice, and that will prevent the regulator from working properly," Kaphing said. "Whenever heavy, wet snowfall is followed by warm, sunny weather, melting and then runoff from around the meter or the roof can accumulate around the vent and refreeze at night." 

Kaphing said the problem, although rare, occurs most often in the late fall and early spring, and the result can be extremely dangerous gas pressure buildup in the home.

The best approach to keeping meters and their vents clean is to clear snow from the meter as part of routine snow-removal efforts, maintaining not only a clean meter but also a path to and from the device. "Carefully shovel the ground around the meter and clear the meter itself by hand, and avoid using a snowblower near the meter," he said.

If homeowners are concerned that their meter's regulator vent may be blocked or believe any other problem may exist with their meter, please call Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-2999.

Xcel Energy reminds gas customers that if they smell natural gas in their homes to leave the house immediately and to follow these other important safety precautions:

• Don't turn lights on or off or use any other electrical switches under any circumstances. 
• Don't take time to open any windows or doors other than the ones you pass through on your way out.
• Don't use a cell phone or any other phone while still in the house; go to a neighbor's house or other safe place away from your home to call the above number for help.
• Don't return to the home until a safety expert such as a utility company employee or firefighter says it's safe to do so.