Extreme weather conditions are putting a significant strain on the natural gas system, and to make sure that service continues during this cold spell, Xcel Energy is asking all it's Minnesota natural gas customers to turn their thermostat's down to 63 degrees.
"It's giving everything a test here," said Mark Osendorf with Xcel Energy. "Much like the electric grid being completely interconnected, the gas grid in many respects is too. This voluntary contribution, while small on an individual part, is going to have an overall big impact on system integrity."
About 150 customers lost natural gas service near Princeton, although Xcel doesn't yet know what the source of the disruption was. Crews are on site this afternoon trying ot fix the problem.
Meanwhile, a command center has been set up at a hotel in Princeton, where rooms are available for displaced homeowners who would like more warmth.
"They are appreciative and are being very patient," said Xcel's John Marshall. "It's a weather event in Minnesota. We're doing what Minnesotans do, and working together to get through it."
As an important safety reminder, Marshall said if customers ever detect a sulfur or rotten egg smell inside or near their home, it could signal a natural gas leak. He says that odor is intentionally added to natural gas to help detect leaks.
Marshall says anyone noticing that smell should leave the home immediately. He says they should not turn any electrical devices on or off, use a garage door opener, or a phone until they are outside and away from the home.
And, before customers leave their homes, he says they should leave their faucets running at a trickle, and leave cabinet doors open and close all doors, windows and curtains closed to help retain heat.
Plumbers are also onsite in the event of freezing pipes.