NJNG RE-INTRODUCED NATURAL GAS IN THE MANTOLOKING AND BRICK SECTIONS OF SEASIDE PENINSULA

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

NJNG re-introduced natural gas in the Mantoloking and Brick sections of Seaside peninsula. Meter re-builds for these sections are now in progress, and we estimate they will be completed from Downer Avenue in Mantoloking to Dune Avenue in Brick by December 6, and from Ocean View Avenue to Jeanette Drive in Brick by December 7.

The first meter on the peninsula that we have made gas-ready is for the Pioneer Hose Fire Station in Brick.

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.

When 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.

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

To date, we have replaced a total of 4,785 feet of damaged 12-inch main between Bay Head and Seaside.

In Manasquan, we have completed 166 service installations, 86 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 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.