UPDATE ON NJNG SERVICE RESTORATION EFFORTS

While re-introducing natural gas to the section of its system that serves Sampson Avenue in Seaside Heights to J Street in Seaside Park, including Pelican Island, New Jersey Natural Gas experienced anomalies that must be addressed before re-pressurization can be complete. Crews will continue working in this section to address the anomalies and restore natural gas to the main.   

If all goes well, we expect to complete work in this section later today, and begin the re-introduction of natural gas to the last section of the Seaside peninsula, from 1st Street to 24th Avenue in Seaside Park, on Saturday. Once we re-introduce natural gas to this section, our traffic impacts on the peninsula will be completed.

A total of 3,355 homes on the peninsula now have natural gas to their meters. We have completed 1,410 meter rebuilds in Normandy Beach and Lavallette so far, and expect to complete this section by the end of the day. Meter work will continue in Lavallette through Sunday, see the schedule below. 

We estimate that the meters in each section will be rebuilt by the following dates:

If all goes as expected, once the re-pressurization is complete, we will provide updates on our meter rebuild schedule and progress on a weekly basis. Updates will be posted each Friday on our website at www.njng.com. 

Once your meter work has been completed, you should see a tag on your meter, which indicates that your home or business has natural gas to its meter. As soon as you see the tag, and your home or business has electricity and is habitable and occupied, then you may have your own qualified technician determine that your natural gas system and equipment are safe for use, and turn on your natural gas service.

In Manasquan, 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.

We continue to repair and replace services, as needed, throughout the rest of our territory.

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 1-800-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.