WITH WINTER STORM APPROACHING, NEW JERSEY NATURAL GAS URGES CUSTOMERS TO CLEAR SNOW AND ICE FROM METERS TO ENSURE SAFETY

(Wall, NJ) – With significant snow accumulation forecasted across the region, New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) reminds customers to take important safety precautions to help protect their natural gas meters, pipes and outside vents from heavy snow and ice buildup. “The safety of our customers is our top priority,” says Pat Migliaccio, senior vice president and chief operating officer of New Jersey Natural Gas. “While natural gas meters and equipment are designed to withstand winter weather conditions, excessive snow and ice around meters and outside vents can create hazardous conditions, and hinder emergency access if needed.”

• Gently remove snow and ice from natural gas meters, pipes and outside vents using a broom or “gloved” hands.
•  Avoid using shovels, sharp tools or force to remove snow and ice from meter and pipes, helping prevent equipment damage or unsafe conditions.
•  Ensure meters and outside vents remain visible and accessible at all times to allow easy access by NJNG employees and first responders in case of an emergency.
• Check outside appliance vents — including those for high efficiency furnaces, water heaters and dryers — to prevent blockages that can lead to carbon monoxide (CO) buildup.

• New Jersey Natural Gas, NJR’s principal subsidiary, operates and maintains natural gas transportation and distribution infrastructure to serve customers in New Jersey’s Monmouth, Ocean, Morris, Middlesex, Sussex and Burlington counties. 
• Clean Energy Ventures invests in, owns and operates solar projects, providing customers with low-carbon solutions. 
• Energy Services manages a diversified portfolio of natural gas transportation and storage assets and provides physical natural gas services and customized energy solutions to its customers across North America. 
• Storage and Transportation serves customers from local distributors and producers to electric generators and wholesale marketers through its ownership of Leaf River and the Adelphia Gateway pipeline, as well as our 50% equity ownership in the Steckman Ridge natural gas storage facility. 
• Home Services provides service contracts as well as heating, central air conditioning, water heaters, standby generators and other indoor and outdoor comfort products to residential homes throughout New Jersey.