NJNG ESTIMATES COMPLETION OF METER RE-BUILDS FOR FIRST SECTION OF SEASIDE PENINSULA BY END OF WEEK

New Jersey Natural Gas today provided the following updates of our service restoration for the storm-damaged portions of our system:

Today, we began to re-pressurize our system that serves the Seaside peninsula, in the section between Downer Avenue in Mantoloking and Dune Avenue in Brick.  Meter re-builds for this section will commence as soon as it is re-pressurized, and we estimate they will be completed by December 6.

We expect to begin re-pressurizing the second section tomorrow, between Ocean View Avenue and Jeanette Drive in Brick. Meter re-builds for this section will begin as soon as re-pressurization is completed, and we estimate they will be finished by December 7.

Re-pressurization of the subsequent sections will commence on December 10, which is the earliest date that the Toms River Township Police Department will be able to safely block pedestrian and vehicular traffic. We are still estimating that all sections of the Seaside peninsula will be re-pressurized and have meters rebuilt before December 31.

Updates on our schedule and progress will be available at www.njng.com.

In Manasquan, we have completed 155 service installations, 82 percent. We continue to repair and replace services, as needed, throughout the rest of our territory.

In Sea Bright, Long Beach Island and the Ocean County mainland, all customers whose homes and businesses can safely accept service now have natural gas to their meters.

Federal, New Jersey and local safety codes prohibit tampering with natural gas meters and service lines. Even if natural gas service has not yet been restored to your area, this could significantly hamper efforts to restore service.

If you smell an odor of natural gas, leave the building immediately. Do not light matches, touch electrical switches or appliances, or use your telephone. From a safe location, customers should notify us of all gas leaks immediately at 800-GAS-LEAK.

With natural gas now restored to many affected areas and property clean-up underway, please remember that at least three business days prior to outdoor construction or digging, contractors and property owners – whoever is excavating – must call New Jersey One Call at 811 or 800-272-1000 and take the following steps:

• Wait for the site to be marked with paint, flags or stakes. Yellow indicates the presence of underground natural gas lines.
• Respect the marks and dig with care.
• Hand dig only (no mechanized equipment) within two feet of buried piping and facilities.
• Be mindful that inclement weather may wash away the painted markings.

For additional information, visit our Hurricane Sandy Resource Center at www.njng.com.