Natural Gas Safety

It is important for you to know how to recognize potentially dangerous natural gas leaks, so use your senses:

	Smell: Natural gas has no odor in its natural state, so we add a harmless odorant called mercaptan, which people describe to be similar to rotten eggs or sulfur. It may smell differently to you, or it may also be a strong smell from an unknown source.
	Hear: A natural gas leak may produce a noise that ranges from next to nothing to a slight hissing or blowing sound to a loud roar.
	See: A leak can also cause dust, dirt or debris to fly, or create blowing or continuous bubbling movement in water. It also can cause a spot of dead or discolored vegetation in an otherwise green area.

1. If you suspect a gas leak, get everyone out of your home or building right away
2. Move a safe distance away from your home or building
3. Call 911 for help
4. After calling 911, contact Xcel Energy at 800-895-2999, so we can take a look

Because an electric spark can ignite an explosion, remember to follow these tips:

• Avoid using electric appliances, such as garage door openers or telephones of any type, and don't turn electrical switches on or off.
• Do not start up or shut down motor vehicles or any other mechanical equipment.
• Avoid open flames or other ignition sources and never strike a match if you suspect a natural gas leak nearby.
• Call 911 when you're clear of the area. Then call Xcel Energy at 800-895-2999 so we can take a look.
• Stay away until Xcel Energy or emergency responders have told you it is safe to return.

Regularly maintaining your gas meter helps avoid the potential for dangerous indoor natural gas build-up. Below are some tips you can follow to help keep you and your family safe during winter and summer months.

Keep Meters Clear of Snow and Ice

Icy build-up can dangerously interfere with the flow of natural gas to and from your meter, and accumulated snow can prevent the meter from operating properly by stopping the flow of natural gas. A snow-covered meter could also lead to a loss of service and freezing of inside pipes as a result of lost heat.

• 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
• Always keep a clear path to your gas meter to allow quick access in an emergency

The arrow points to the meter's gas pressure regulator vent. This vent can also become plugged when snow and ice melt during the day and refreeze at night.

Maintain a Clear Path to Meters

Overgrown vegetation, like plants, shrubs, or weeds, can also inhibit the flow of natural gas to and from your meter, creating potentially dangerous situations.

• Trim back any vegetation growing on or around the meter
• Avoid digging, planting flowers or placing yard ornaments directly around the meter
• Gently remove grass trimmings or leaves from the gas meter and any associated piping with either your hand or an air blower
• Always keep a clear path to your gas meter to allow quick access in an emergency

If you notice ice on your meter or are concerned that the meter's regulator vent may be blocked, contact us at 800-895-2999.

Did you know that you may own a natural gas line that you are responsible for maintaining? Xcel Energy owns and maintains the natural gas piping from the street to our customers’ gas meter. However, the customer is responsible for maintaining any natural gas lines from the meter outlet to gas appliances and equipment. In some cases, the meter may be located at your property line or a distance away from your home or business. Examples of customer-owned lines include:

• Outdoor gas grills
• Propane lines
• Fencing

Customer Responsibility

Customer-owned piping may be above or below ground and buried gas lines may run from the meter to a detached garage, workshop, pool heater, outdoor gas grill, or other locations. Buried gas pipes can leak and metal pipes may corrode with age, causing a potentially dangerous situation. For the sake of everyone's safety, we recommend having your buried gas pipes inspected periodically and repair them as needed.

When excavating near buried gas piping, the piping should be located in advance and the excavation done by hand. You should always call 811 to locate underground lines owned by your utility providers; however, the natural gas piping you own will not be located as part of this process. Licensed plumbing or heating contractors can provide assistance with locating, inspection, repairs, and maintenance, if necessary.

Call Before You Clear
Call Before You Dig
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
CSST Safety (external link)
Natural Gas Outage and Service Restoration Safety Information (Customers)(PDF)
Natural Gas Safety Data Sheet (PDF)
Natural Gas Safety Bill Insert Request Form
Pipeline Safety
Public Safety Guide (PDF)
Unauthorized Electrical Grounding