FortisBC asks customers to turn down the thermostat in wake of pipeline explosion

The electricity and gas company FortisBC is asking British Columbians to turn down their thermostats and reduce natural gas use on other appliances following Tuesday's gas line explosion near Prince George.

Puget Sound Energy and Cascade Natural Gas, both U.S. energy companies, are also asking customers in Washington state to help conserve natural gas and electricity because of B.C.'s pipeline rupture and the impact it has on the U.S. gas supply.

In an updated statement issued on Wednesday afternoon, FortisBC said there had so far been a reduction in natural gas use of about 20 per cent provincewide, but that further cuts are needed.

"We still need more customers to reduce their natural gas usage as much as possible for now, as we continue to work with Enbridge and confirm the impact on the system," it read in part.

"We recognize that in some parts of B.C. it may be impractical to turn off thermostats due to cold weather. Even turning the temperature down as much as possible and reducing hot water use and other natural gas usage will help."

'I thought it was thunder': Gas line explosion near Prince George, B.C., causes evacuations

The Enbridge natural gas pipeline that exploded Tuesday evening is a feeder for the provincewide gas distribution system

Although the fire on the pipeline has been extinguished, two Enbridge pipelines are being shut off: the ruptured pipe and another one that's to be assessed for damage.

FortisBC says it anticipates decreased energy flow and potential loss of service as a result.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/fortis-british-columbians-conserve-gas-explosion-1.4856878