L.A.-Area Natural Gas Shortage Fear Over, SoCalGas Lifts Advisory

LOS ANGELES, CA -- Southern California Gas Co. Tuesday lifted an advisory it issued Sunday night urging its customers to reduce natural-gas usage to reduce the risk of gas and electricity shortages.

The advisory was issued in response to stepped-up demand due to the recent cold weather, along with shortages due to a continuing moratorium on gas injections at the Aliso Canyon storage facility near Porter Ranch that experienced a massive four-month leak.

"Working with our customers and suppliers, we were able to manage our system to deliver reliable heating and electricity to our region during this recent cold snap," said Lisa Alexander, vice president of customer solutions and communications for SoCalGas. "As we lift the advisory, I want to remind our customers that it is very early in the winter season and with the limited availability of Aliso Canyon, we may face more of these types of challenges this winter.

Conservation should be part of everyone's daily routine, and I encourage customers to visit www.socalgas.com to learn more about conservation tips, rebate programs and other ways to manage bills this winter."

During the advisory, residential customers were urged to reduce natural gas use by lowering thermostats to 68 degrees or below, waiting a day to use natural gas appliances and washing clothes in cold water when possible.

SoCalGas also issued a system-wide curtailment watch to large commercial and industrial customers advising them they may receive a notice to curtail service.

More than 95 percent of Southern Californians use natural gas to heat their homes and about 60 percent of electricity used in homes comes from natural gas power plants, according to the utility.

-- City News Service, photo via Pixabay