News Releases

Keep natural gas meters free of ice and snow, Xcel Energy urges

DENVER - Winter is well under way in Colorado, and the accompanying snowfall, along with thawing and refreezing can bring potential safety hazards. Xcel Energy offers the following advice to help its customers stay safe and warm:

Gas Meters: Customers with an outside natural gas meter should check it routinely and gently clear away any buildup of ice or snow on the meter or piping. 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. Carefully clear ice and snow away from the meter and also from areas above it, such as a roofline.  Avoid damaging the meter by using a broom, not a shovel, to clear snow and ice off the meter. Avoid using a snow blower or plow 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 from lost heat.

Customers that smell a strong and persistent odor similar to sulfur may have a natural gas leak. It’s possible to also hear a slight hissing to a louder sound. If a leak is suspected, leave the home or outside area of smell immediately. Do not use any electrical appliances such as light switches or garage door openers and never use a phone, including a cell phone. When a safe distance away, call Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-2999, or 911 in an emergency, to report the concern. Customers should not return until they are told it is safe.

Carbon Monoxide Detection: Carbon monoxide can develop if venting systems or appliances are not operating properly. Xcel Energy strongly recommends annual inspections of natural gas appliances as the key defense against carbon monoxide poisoning. Appliance inspections are vitally important because they can determine and correct the source of the problem, if it exists. Xcel Energy also encourages the use of a carbon monoxide detector in the home on each floor with sleeping rooms. Detectors identify traces of carbon monoxide in the home and sound an alarm when carbon monoxide is present. The most effective detectors have a battery-backup system and include a memory function that records and indicates the highest concentration levels found. Customers should install, test and maintain a detector according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Roof and Tree Raking: Customers should stay more than 10 feet away from power lines when knocking snow off of their roof or trees. Accidental contact with power lines can injure or kill.