Atmos energy urges residents to conserve gas usage
Atmos Energy urges residents to keep using natural gas during extreme winter temperatures to help maintain gas service.
Atmos Energy closely monitors the weather and moves its employees through the system.
NBC5 viewers in the Arlington, Pennbrook, Frisco, Grand Prairie, and south Fort Worth areas reported low gas pressure with some without gas since Thursday night.
Amir Aren said he bought five heaters late Thursday night to keep his family warm. Even on a Friday afternoon, they had no hot water or heat.
“This is our temperature right now. Upstairs is 55. 63, downstairs,” Arin said. “It’s just like the déjà vu we had with electricity in 2021.”
Arin’s younger brother Khurram lives next door. Khurram’s wife and their two-week-old son are staying with his in-laws.
He said, “In my house, it was literally a degree when I checked in… It was 57 degrees. With a newborn, I just couldn’t.” “I took my wife, went there and slept with them all night.”
Suzette Lagray and her husband live in Grand Prairie. The heat returned in their home late Friday morning after they had been without heat in the basement for about 12 hours.
LaGray said that while it felt great that gas pressure was back to normal, she’d like to see a better connection from Atmos Energy.
“I think it was very frustrating, because at least with the information…you can plan. Do I need to go out and buy heaters or what?” I explained. “Without any kind of feedback or update, it just makes it really difficult.”
Atmos Energy urges residents to keep using natural gas during extreme winter temperatures to help maintain gas service.
An Atmos Energy spokesperson didn’t directly respond to our questions about call concerns or the number of residents affected, but told us in an email, “Please let your audience know we are seeing a high volume of calls due to the cooler temperatures and there may be a long wait time to speak with one.” Agents. If this is not an emergency or if they are calling about a previous order situation, we work as fast as we can to get a service technician to their home. If this is an emergency, please wait and the agent will answer their call as quickly as possible.”
The North Richland Hills Center and NRH Library closed Friday after low gas pressure affected those facilities.
North Richland Hills Baptist Church opened its health center as a heating station for residents unable to heat their homes. The health center is located on the south side of the church campus at 6955 Boulevard 26.
At around 11:30 a.m., Atmos tweeted that there would be a “significant wait time” as they were experiencing a high volume of calls.
The Texas Railroad Commission issued a statement Friday afternoon saying:
“The Railroad Commission is aware of some local low-pressure issues due to very high demand in the areas served by Atmos Energy, Mid-Tex Division. Atmos is increasing pressure in the system and continuing to operate tickets for customers experiencing low-pressure issues. Atmos Customer Contact Center is open Additional resources have been added to handle call volumes and customer tickets to work. Atmos Mid-Tex has stated that there are generally no gas supply issues in the system at this time. The Committee remains in close communication with Atmos and we will provide you with updates as we have them.”
In a now-deleted post on its Facebook page, Atmos posted Friday morning that its customer service lines are closed for Friday, December 23rd and Monday, December 26th stating, “Our customer service lines are closed today, December 23rd and Monday, December 26th. The emergency line 866.322.8667 continues to Work around the clock, 7 days a week.”
Atmos Energy provided these tips for conserving natural gas in your home:
- Do not use your natural gas stove.
- Lower the thermostat to at least 68 degrees. Consider wearing extra layers of clothing and lowering your thermostat.
- Companies should reduce energy use as much
- possible.
- Turn your water heater down to 120 degrees, because it can account for up to 25 percent of the energy used in your home.
- Unplug electronics and turn off lights that are not in use. By saving electricity, you are also helping to conserve energy-conserving natural gas.
- Minimize bath time and avoid showering. Showers account for about 40 percent of the hot water use in your home.
- Refrain from using large appliances such as the washer, dryer, oven and dishwasher for the next few days. When in use, minimize the opening of the oven door to prevent energy waste.
- If you have a pool, don’t use a pool heater. Instead, run the pool pump during the coldest part of the day to circulate the water and prevent freezing.
Atmos Energy also reminds everyone that if you smell natural gas or suspect a leak, you must leave the area immediately and from a safe distance, call 911 and the Atmos Energy emergency number at 866.322.8667.
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