Natural gas customers are being asked to conserve as energy use peaks during frigid temperatures this
week.
Pricing and usage have soared this season, with record amounts of gas being used for heat and
electricity. On Friday, prices rose 10 percent to the highest level in more than three years. The price
of natural gas is up 29 percent in two weeks and is 50 percent higher than last year at this time,
according to the Associated Press.
Peak natural gas demand is anticipated on Tuesday and Wednesday, when overnight temperatures are expected
to drop well below zero over much of the state.
"Customers who reduce their natural gas use this week will do two very important things," said
Jack Partridge, president of Columbia Gas of Ohio. "They will help ensure that adequate supplies
are available for everybody, and they can help manage their heating bills during what is expected to be
a period of extremely high natural gas consumption."
Customers are advised to conserve by reducing thermostats; limiting use, particularly during morning
hours; setting water-heater temperatures to 120 degrees; monitoring insulation and preventing leaks;
removing snow and ice from gas meters.
Extreme caution is urged when using space heaters by keeping them well vented and away from combustible
materials.SClBTo report an outage or other emergency, customers should call Columbia Gas at
1-800-344-4077.
More information on energy conservation and cold weather safety is available at www.ColumbiaGasOhio.com.