Unitil is nearing completion of its restoration efforts for natural gas customers in Fitchburg. As part of the final step of restoration, Unitil technicians are currently in the process of turning each meter back on manually to assure customer safety. Natural gas service is on track to be restored to all affected customers by the end of the day.
Approximately 700 Unitil natural gas customers in the Fitchburg area were without service this morning following a leak at Westminster Street yesterday evening. Gas service was shut off to the area in order to make the area safe for repairs. Overnight, Unitil technicians went door to door to make sure all affected meters were turned off before repairs were completed.
Unitil takes a planned approach to restore natural gas service quickly and safely. To watch a brief, informative animation video of the restoration process for natural gas service please visit the Outage Center on Unitil’s website: http://www.unitil.com/restore.
“Gas restoration is a labor-intensive process which requires our technicians to go door-to-door,” Unitil Media Relations Manager Alec O’Meara said. “We appreciate the patience shown by our customers as we work safely and efficiently to restore service to customers.”
Natural gas leaks are usually recognized by smell, sight or sound. DO NOT use a lighter, use telephones, switch on/off appliances, light fixtures or even a flashlight in any area where you smell gas. These items can produce sparks that might ignite the gas and cause an explosion. AGAIN, If you suspect a natural gas leak, immediately move to a safe environment and call 911 or Unitil at its gas leak numbers in Massachusetts (866-542-3547), New Hampshire (866-900-4115) or Maine (866-900-4460).
Unitil will provide regular updates to local media outlets regarding restoration progress.
