Montana-Dakota Utilities encourages customers to monitor natural gas meter and furnace vent areas
BISMARCK, N.D. — Montana-Dakota Utilities is encouraging customers across their service territories to inspect natural gas meter and furnace vent areas to make sure that there is not any buildup of snow and ice.
The announcement comes as snow fall totals grow toward winter season records.
Customers are also encouraged to clear the snow and ice away from the meter set and the furnace vent area, and anyone operating snow removal equipment needs to be aware of objects buried under the snow, which can include natural gas meters and risers.
Snow and ice accumulations can cause the regulator and meter to malfunction and result in a hazardous situation. Additionally, a buried regulator may become clogged, affecting the supply of natural gas to the appliances.
When melting occurs and the snow becomes wet and heavy, it can put pressure on the meter setting and cause strain on the associated piping. In extreme cases, the possibility exists that the piping could break.
Montana-Dakota Utilities customers should also inspect the area around the furnace vent to ensure snow and ice is not blocking the vent.
If you believe damage has occurred around the meter set, you are asked to please call Montana-Dakota at 1-800-638-3278 so the problem can be repaired.
