Media Contact: Scott Reigstad (608) 458-3145
Heavy snow and ice can affect gas and electric meters and cause safety concerns
MADISON, WI – February 1, 2011 – With the predicted large snowfall, high winds, and blowing and drifting snow over the next few days, Alliant Energy wants to remind customers not to forget about clearing snow and ice from their gas and electric meters as well as their furnace vents and other vents around their home.
“With the large winter storm moving through the state, it’s important to remember that heavy snow accumulation can cover electric and gas meters as well as other vents around your home,” says Mark Hawley, Manager – Safety & Heath Services, Alliant Energy. “This could affect the operation of your meters and plug vents that need to be clear.”
Hawley suggests keeping the following tips in mind:
* Don’t pile snow on or near the meter when shoveling or using a snow blower
* Use your hands, not a shovel, to clear snow and ice from the meter
* Never bang on the meter or pipes
* Don’t let dripping water or freezing rain build up on the meter. The vent can become plugged when ice and snow melt during the day and refreeze at night
* Remove icicles hanging above the meter
* Check furnace and water heater exhaust pipes and vents. If an exhaust pipe is blocked, the furnace or water heater could malfunction or stop working
Natural gas regulators have a vent to allow gas to escape; if this vent is blocked, gas flow into the home could be compromised.
“It just takes a few minutes, and it can prevent a lot of problems,” adds Hawley. “We want all our customers to stay safe and warm during the winter season. We appreciate everyone who helps us keep the energy flowing safely and reliably.”
For more information, please call 1-800-ALLIANT (255-4268).
Alliant Energy is an energy-services provider with subsidiaries serving approximately 1 million electric and over 412,000 natural gas customers. Providing its customers in the Midwest with regulated electric and natural gas service is the company’s primary focus. Wisconsin Power and Light, the company’s Wisconsin utility subsidiary, serves approximately 450,000 electric and 175,000 natural gas customers. Alliant Energy, headquartered in Madison, Wis., is a Fortune 1000 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LNT. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at http://www.alliantenergy.com.
