NJNG PROVIDES UPDATE ON RESTORATION EFFORTS

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

Yesterday, we successfully re-pressurized the section of our system between Downer Avenue in Mantoloking and Dune Avenue in Brick. Meter re-builds for this section are now being completed, and we estimate they will be finished by December 6.

Today, we are re-pressurizing the second section of the peninsula’s natural gas system, 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.

Once the meter work is completed, your home or business will have natural gas up to its meter, and there should be a tag on your meter. As soon 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. The tag must be signed and dated by both you and your technician, and then returned to your municipal code official.

Re-pressurization of the subsequent sections, between Normandy Beach and Seaside Park, 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.

To date, we have replaced a total of 4,600 feet of damaged 12-inch main between Bay Head and Seaside.

In Manasquan, we have completed 160 service installations, 84 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.