The Gas Incident in Rhode Island left more than 7,000 National Grid customers without heat in a freezing cold

January 22, 2019

Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo said the state of emergency in Newport County, Rhode Island, after more than 7,000 national utility customers were left without heat Monday, while the extreme cold was gripping the region.

In a statement, the company said it was currently experiencing a low-pressure gas situation affecting customers on Aquidneck Island. The city of Newport experienced the majority of breakdowns.

"On Monday night, as a precaution, National Grid began suspending gas service to 7,100 customers in Newport and Middleton," the company said. This service interruption is due to a transportation supply problem of our natural gas supplier, Algonguin Gas Transmission Co. "

The outage could be a prolonged event, according to the company's press release. Up to 1,000 gas workers and support staff have been deployed to help resolve the problem as quickly as possible.

"We have several field teams that are assessing the situation and will continue to provide updates.This restoration process could be a multi-day event for those affected," said National Grid officials.

National Grid, together with national and local authorities, was striving to provide information on heating centers to those affected.

Warm-up centers are open at CCRI's Newport, Newport Heights and Donovan Manor campuses. The Potter League for Animals will be open during the night to accept pets from those seeking shelter.

– Gina Raimondo (@GovRaimondo) January 22, 2019

Governor Raimondo ordered the state of emergency for Newport County. National Grid cut gas to 7,000 customers. Gov says that it's not safe for anyone to stay in a house without heat. Call 2-1-1 for information on rides and shelters. Call your family / friends who might be affected and offer your help. pic.twitter.com/J3ILDpg9wr

– Rhode Island EMA (@RhodeIslandEMA) January 22, 2019

Raimondo stated that it could go on for more than a week or more before each customer service concerned has its service reinstated.

"Please note that the area is safe and the situation is under national control.We know how important your gas service and safety are, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused, especially in cold weather" said the company. adding that he would reimburse the cost of transportation or accommodation borne by the residents concerned.

Newport public schools announced their closure Tuesday, according to ABC 6.

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Monday was the coldest day in many years for the Newport area, according to Elliott Abrams, chief meteorologist at AccuWeather.

"Temperatures on Tuesday morning were one-digit and low among teens," he said, adding that temperatures would rise until mid-week.

The minimum temperature in the Providence capital was 1 degree fahrenheit.

Temperatures will rise in the 1930s by Wednesday. A maximum in the 50's is planned for Thursday.

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