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January 11, 2003
Naperville, Ill. - Nicor Gas this morning is making an urgent appeal to residents and local businesses in Evanston to return to their homes and contact Nicor so that the company can gain access to their homes to turn off gas meters. This must happen before the company can re-pressurize the gas pipeline and begin the process of restoring natural gas service to customers later today.
"As of 9 a.m. this morning, there are about 127 locations in Evanston where we have not been able to gain access to the homes or businesses. We cannot restore service to all the affected residents until we can shut off all these gas meters and we have to get inside the home to do so. We're asking residents to please contact us at 1 888 NICOR4U (1 888 642-6748) as soon as possible," said Rocco D'Alessandro, senior vice president of operations for Nicor Gas.
More than 300 Nicor Gas personnel have been working throughout the night to fix the problem that began Friday morning when a water main ruptured in Wilmette, which resulted in water entering a natural gas pipeline that services customers on either side of the Metra/Union Pacific North Line railroad tracks that divides Wilmette and Evanston.
In Wilmette, 200 customers have been impacted. Nicor Gas gained entry to the last three homes between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. today. Workers are finalizing repairs and plan to re-pressurize the system on the east side of the Metra tracks beginning some time after 10 a.m. today. Then, they will begin returning to the 200 customers' homes to relight the pilot lights, inspect equipment and restore service. It is imperative that these residents remain in or return to their homes this morning to await for crews to arrive.
Cooperation "Tremendous," Nicor Urges Caution Over Freezing Pipes, Safety
Helping Nicor Gas throughout the night has been a combined force that includes the Wilmette and Evanston police, fire, emergency workers and local government officials. In addition, Nicor has called upon neighboring gas utility Peoples Energy, which has provided workers to the site this morning to speed the relighting of pilot lights and home inspections once the gas system is ready. In addition, Tradewinds, a local HVAC contractor owned by Nicor Services is also assisting, as are local locksmiths.
Two concerns for residents remain. First, the cold weather last night has resulted in some reports of frozen water pipes. Residents are urged to open their faucets to let water drip to avoid freezing pipes.
Also, in circumstances like this, security can become an issue. The company reminds customers that only qualified workers are allowed access into residents' homes. These workers include Nicor Gas, Peoples Energy, Tradewinds/Nicor Services and of course local police and fire workers, who will all carry proper company identification. If residents have any concerns, they should contact Nicor or their local police department.
Nicor also asks that residents reach out to their neighbors and particularly to call on elderly neighbors to see if they have any needs.
"Despite the cold weather last night, we have been fortunate so far in containing this event. Now, we need the cooperation of local Evanston residents so that we can restore heat to all affected homes before nightfall," D'Alessandro said.
Nicor Gas is one of the nation's largest gas distribution companies. Owned by Nicor, Inc. (NYSE: GAS) a holding company, Nicor Gas has provided safe, reliable natural gas services for more than 45 years. The Company serves two million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information, visit the Nicor Web site at www.nicor.com.
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