Important gas and electric outage updates: extreme winter weather event

Black Hills Energy gas and electric crews will be out in the community today continuing restoration efforts following extreme winter storm Xylia.

Hazardous road conditions remain the biggest obstacle for our employees. In order to proactively address those challenges, we are currently working to partner with a heavy equipment company with loaders and snowmobiles. Black Hills Energy crews will make every effort to restore electric service in both the city and rural areas for customers who’ve been affected by outages and will make efforts to answer gas calls today.

Continual updates will be provided at: www.blackhillsenergy.com and on our social media channels, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Additional safety reminders:

If you smell gas or believe you have a gas leak, immediately leave the premises (perhaps going to a neighbor’s home).
Then, call 911 and remain away from the premises until the situation is resolved.
With impassable roadways in many areas, Black Hills Energy crews will respond when possible, but it may not be immediately.

It is also important to make certain your gas meters are not snow covered. Snow and ice buildup on your natural gas meter can create a safety hazard and even cut off the flow of natural gas to your heating equipment and other appliances. To avoid trouble, gently remove snow and ice from on and around the meter with your hands or a broom.

Gas meters and regulators are durable and designed with the weather in mind, but a coating of ice or snow could cause a loss of service and become a critical safety issue. When possible, remove the snow before it has a chance to freeze.

Gently clear snow away by hand or with a broom. Do not use a shovel, ice pick or other sharp tools, damage could result and make the situation worse.
Keep snow blowers and shovels away from gas meters and other above-ground equipment.
Carefully clear snow away from the outdoor vent on high-efficiency furnaces. The furnace won’t run safely and efficiently if the vent is blocked.
Safely remove ice buildup from overhead eaves that could fall and damage gas meters below.
Point out the meter and any other above-ground utility structures to anyone you hire for snow removal.

Ways to stay safe

Natural gas smells like rotten eggs for a reason. If your nose picks up this scent, immediately leave the area, and call 911 once you’re away from the site.
Wait for Black Hills Energy or emergency personnel to arrive before re-entering the building. Emergency personnel will let you know when it’s safe to return.
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.
Ensure your home is equipped with carbon monoxide detectors, and never use gas ranges, ovens or clothes dryers to heat your home.