Fayetteville, Ark. – Feb. 15, 2021 - Black Hills Energy technicians are in the process of shutting off 2,300 gas meters in Pea Ridge, purging and pressure testing the system, and bringing natural gas customers back online following the service interruption that occurred earlier today.
“The process of bringing customers back on to the system requires several steps,” said Chad Kinsley, vice president of operations Black Hills Energy Arkansas. “We must first make sure all gas meters are off, then purge the system so it’s ready for the reintroduction of the natural gas supply. Finally, our technicians will go door-to-door and relight each customer’s gas appliances.”
Black Hills Energy technicians will be going door to door to turn off meters. We anticipate completing the meter turn-off process later tonight. Once the safety of the system has been confirmed, we’ll begin to relight customers. For updates on service restoration, customers can visit www.blackhillsenergy.com/pea-ridge .
During the purging process a small amount of gas will safely dissipate into the air, but there is a possibility that residents will detect a faint gas smell. Natural gas has a distinct odor, similar to a rotten egg, due to the addition of a chemical called Mercaptan. The process is safe and Black Hills Energy technicians will be present during the process.
Additional Black Hills Energy employees from across Arkansas and surrounding states are joining the effort to expedite restoration of service to Pea Ridge customers. In all, Black Hills Energy will have more than 80 technicians working to restore service to our customers.
A warming station for residents that was previously set up at 781 W Pickens Road in Pea Ridge has been relocated to 1391 Weston Street.
Black Hills Energy customers can assist in expediting the relighting efforts by clearing snow from and providing access to gas meters and restraining pets who may be on the premises. Additionally, it is required that someone over 18 years of age be present during the relighting process. If a customer is not home when the Black Hills Energy technicians arrive to relight, a door tag will be left with information on how to have service restored. Customers should not attempt to relight their appliances on their own. For customers who may be out of the area and whose homes or commercial buildings are not open at this time, please call the customer service center at 888-890-5554 to schedule a date and time to restore service.
Our technicians will be prepared to safely restore service by wearing appropriate PPE and asking COVID-19 screening questions before entering homes and businesses. Our technicians practice social distancing and closely follow all national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines regarding COVID-19, including wearing masks. Additionally, we ask that our customers also wear a mask while our technicians are in your home. Learn more about our COVID-19 precautions at www.blackhillsenergy.com.
Please remember the following safety tips:
- Be alert for leaking natural gas. If you smell natural gas, leave the building or area immediately and tell others to leave too.
- After you’re safely away from the area, call 911 and our emergency number at 888-890-5554. Never assume someone else has reported a natural gas leak. Alert your neighbors.
- Do not turn on lights, ignite a flame, use a cell phone or use anything that might cause a spark, including a flashlight or a generator.
- Never attempt to repair a natural gas leak, and do not attempt to turn natural gas valves on or off.