News Releases

Xcel Energy: Natural gas customers should check meters as result of heavy mountain snows

DENVER - Xcel Energy reminds customers to clear snow away from natural gas meters in order to help maintain the proper flow of natural gas to their homes and appliances. The company also recommends that appliance vents, often located on a home’s roof, be kept clear in order to operate properly.

Natural Gas Meters: The heavy snows in the mountains have damaged some meters, creating the potential for natural gas leaks. If your home has an outside natural gas meter, check it routinely for any accumulation of ice or snow. A plugged regulator vent on a natural gas meter can lead to a dangerous buildup of natural gas inside a building and/or prevent the meter from operating properly, stopping the flow of natural gas. Customers need to gently remove snow or ice from the natural gas meter and any associated piping. Carefully shovel around a meter and move snow away from it. Avoid using a snow blower near a meter. A covered meter, in addition to being potentially dangerous, can also lead to a loss of service and freezing of inside pipes as a result of lost heat.

If you smell a strong and persistent odor similar to sulfur, you may have a natural gas leak.  If you suspect a leak, leave your home immediately. Do not use any electric appliances such as light switches and garage door openers and never use a phone, including a cell phone. When you are a safe distance away, call Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-2999 or 911 in an emergency to report the concern.  Do not return until you’ve been told it’s safe.

Carbon Monoxide Detection: Xcel Energy strongly recommends annual inspections of your natural gas appliances and venting systems as a key defense against carbon monoxide poisoning. With heavy snowfall, it’s possible that your home’s venting systems such as an outdoor air intake vent to a fuel-burning appliance can become packed with snow.  Carbon monoxide can then develop if venting systems or appliances are not operating properly. Inspections are vitally important because they can determine and correct the source of a problem if one exists. The company also encourages the use of a carbon monoxide detector in the home on each floor with sleeping rooms. Detectors identify traces of carbon monoxide and sound an alarm when carbon monoxide is detected. The most effective detectors have a battery-backup system and include a memory function that records and indicates the highest concentration levels detected. Install, test and maintain detectors according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Roof and Tree Raking: Stay more than 10 feet away from power lines when knocking snow off your roof or trees. Accidental contact with power lines can injure or kill.