DENVER (Jan. 4, 2022) – As evacuation orders are lifted, work is nearing completion in the Superior and Louisville communities to restore natural gas service to customers. As of this morning, more than 10,000 customers have their appliances’ pilot lights re-lit. For the remaining customers, some of which are under evacuation orders, crews are working directly with them to arrange to relight pilot lights of their natural gas appliances once evacuation orders are lifted.
Customers who haven’t yet had their appliances relit should contact us if their evacuation order has been lifted and they are able to return to their homes for a relight, by calling 1-800-895-2999. Someone 18 years or older will need to be home for crews to do relights. If possible, customers are asked to please ensure the water is turned on at their homes before relights are done, so their water heater pilot light can be re-lit at the same time as their furnace.
“The road to recovery for these communities will be long, with the devastation affecting so many homes and lives,” said Alice Jackson, president – Xcel Energy Colorado. “For those able to return to their homes, crews have made significant progress to ensure they have the power and heat they need, and I want to thank the entire community for your patience and all the ways you’ve supported our crews in the field. We’re committed to the community for the long haul, as the recovery continues in the days and months ahead.”
Even once service is restored to all customers who can accept it, work on the natural gas system will continue as we systematically assess damages to the system from the wildfire. Crews will continue to be working in the community and available to ensure customers have the reliable and safe service they count on.
Customers can find updates on xcelenergy.com.
As an important safety reminder, if you ever detect a sulfur or “rotten egg” smell inside or near your home, it could be the odorant we put in natural gas to help detect leaks. If you notice that smell, leave your home immediately. Do not turn any electrical devices on or off and never use any phone until you are outside and safely away from the area. Then, call us at 1-800-895-2999. In a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1.
# # #
About Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.