National network restores service to more than 5,100 Newporters involved

Until Sunday morning, more than 5,100, or 80% of the approximately 6,400 customers affected by the interruption of gas service in Newport had relighted their meters and their gas appliances were reignited. More than 600 national gas, self-help and sub-contracting technicians work around the clock and re-establish service since yesterday afternoon, starting with critical facilities, including hospitals and schools, and ICU clients.

At 8 am, 100 of the 150 essential support facilities identified by the City have been restored. The company had encouraged customers to be at home or in their business yesterday to allow access to technicians spread across all neighborhoods.

The re-ignition process requires technicians to physically enter the affected premises and re-ignite all gas appliances. Because of the length of this work, each client visit takes about 45 minutes. A person over 18 must be present during the re-ignition process.

The company notes that a number of Newport customers are seasonal residents and do not reside in Newport during the winter months. They can not request restoration of the gas service before returning to the island.

"We are a local company and we are not going anywhere. We will go there every time customers outside the region return home and are ready to restore their gas service, "said Terry Sobolewski, Customer Relations Manager and Executive Vice President, National Grid, United States.

National Grid reminds customers never to turn on their own meters or try to turn on their gas appliances again. It is extremely dangerous.

The company invites its customers to visit www.nationalgrid.com/aquidneck, where they will find up-to-date information on restoration efforts, answers to key questions, a list of hotels in the area, options for Alternative heating and information needed for the claim process.