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Keep Natural Gas Meters Clear of Ice and Snow, Xcel Energy Urges
The arrow points to this natural gas meter's regulator vent, which can be plugged by ice and snow.
DENVER – With a winter storm continuing today and possibly into Saturday in the state, Xcel Energy strongly reminds natural gas customers to be careful while removing snow around natural gas meters, and to keep those meters free of ice and snow to prevent the potential for a dangerous natural gas pressure buildup in their homes.
Use caution near outside natural gas meters, and never use snow removal equipment, including plows, blowers or shovels, near or on natural gas meters, and do not cover natural gas meters with plowed snow. Xcel Energy does, however, strongly recommend that customers very gently remove snow or ice from the gas meter and any associated piping and the roofline above the meter. Also, check to ensure that melting snow or ice is not dripping on the meter from the roof or nearby trees, which can plug the vent if it refreezes.
Pay close attention to your natural gas meters and watch for thawing and refreezing snow as temperatures move above and below the freezing point in the coming days. A buildup of ice on the meter can plug the vent and adversely affect the operation of the gas pressure regulator, resulting in a potentially hazardous condition by preventing the flow of natural gas. With heavy snowfall, it’s possible that your home’s venting systems, such as an outdoor air intake vent to a fuel-burning appliance, can become packed with snow or ice.
