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Natural Gas Safety And You.

More than half the homes in America use natural gas for space heating with about 35% using natural gas for water heating and 13% for cooking. Though clean, efficient and relatively safe, there are potential dangers associated with the use of natural gas for heating and cooking. We'd like to share some of the risks associated with the usage of natural gas and offer you a few important safety tips in the unlikely event you're faced with a gas emergency.

The Main Issues.

While the most prevalent hazard associated with a natural gas leak is an explosion, a buildup of natural gas – either in sudden high concentrations or slowly over time – can actually make you sick. In addition, poorly maintained natural gas appliances, especially furnaces, can actually result in carbon monoxide poisoning (flu-like symptoms but without fever).

Know The Signs.

Natural gas line leaks are actually quite rare, but knowing the signs of a leak can be a real lifesaver. The most telling sign of a natural gas line leak is rotten egg odor you're familiar with if you've ever had a pilot light go out or if your gas stove has failed to light. In its natural state, natural gas is actually odorless but we use an additive called mercaptan to make gas leaks easier to detect. Sometimes an audible hiss from gas lines or appliances can also alert you to a potential problem.

What To Do?

Ensuring that flexible gas lines are inspected regularly and installed properly by licensed professionals can easily prevent gas leaks in the home. Also, have all gas appliances checked by a qualified service technician once a year. If you do detect a strong gas odor in your home, follow these steps*:

Do not attempt to locate the leak yourself. Leave that to a professional.
Do not turn any electrical appliances on or off!
Do not smoke or use any open flames.
Leave the house and, from a safe distance (a neighbor's house or from a cell phone), call the utility company and 9-1-1.

Gas leaks found outside the home can be equally dangerous; however, external gas leaks are serviced similarly to those occurring inside your home. Most gas lines coming into the home are buried underground but any digging in your yard without checking with your local utility could result in a leak or gas-line rupture. Have your gas company mark the location of the gas lines on your property before beginning any kind of digging. If you do inadvertently damage your outside gas line call the utility immediately. Do not attempt to repair the line.

A list of your local gas emergency numbers is available on the Vectren Source website. In addition, when you visit vectrensource.com and enter your zip code for service, your emergency number will also be displayed at the top of our customer welcome page.

By following these safety tips, natural gas can continue to be a safe and efficient source of energy for your home.

*Source: The Public Utilities Commission Of Ohio

Miss the last issue of The Source?

View it here!

Welcome to the latest edition of The Source, your link to energy news, natural gas industry information and more. In this issue, we'll be talking more about this year's already eventful storm season as well as providing some helpful, money saving energy tips. We'll also be introducing you to the new Vectren Source website, your complete resource to a world of information, energy efficient products, Vectren Source rate and product information and more!

You Are Just A Click Away!

The new Vectren Source interactive web experience is here! Armed with nothing more than your zip code, you can get current rate information, gas company rate comparisons, product and service information – just about everything you could possibly need from an energy provider – right at your fingertips.

You have a choice in natural gas suppliers. We believe that by being a true energy resource for you and by focusing on offering the best customer service in the business, we'll be able to justify being your choice.

Click here to be among to first to join our new online community. And see for yourself!

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Weathering The Storm.

Weathering The Storm. In our last issue, we shared with you the 2007 Hurricane Forecast. Since then, hurricanes Dean and Felix have ushered in the start of the tropical storm season. Neither storm impacted market rates or service for our immediate customers, but storms like these can impact supply, storage facilities, storage levels and ultimately, market price.

Market Watch.

Market Watch. We monitor the natural gas market so you don't have to. That's one of the reasons customers choose Vectren Source in the first place. Right now, natural gas prices are up about 7% over last year and they appear to be trending upward for most market locations in the lower 48 states (rates have increased 4% since September 5). So you might want to think about locking in a fixed rate now. Even though inventories are up 10% over the 5-year average, we're still seeing seasonal rates climb as expected.

Visit VectrenSource.com for more information.

Storm Season Update.

Storm Season Update. Forecasters at Colorado State University's Tropical Meteorology Department have reduced their 2007 hurricane projections. They now project 10 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher. This is a slight reduction in storm activity compared with forecasts released in August that predicted 15 named storms, 8 hurricanes, and 4 intense hurricanes. The potential for volatile weather is a good reason to look into a fixed-rate program now while rates are still relatively competitive.

Did You Know?

Water heating alone can account for 14% of your utility bill. First, simply use less hot water (wash clothes in cold water only). Also, turn down the thermostat on your water heater to 115 – 120 degrees.

Other tips: wrap an insulating blanket around your water heater to keep more heat in; try insulating the first six feet of hot water pipe and the first three feet of cold water pipe that extend from your water heater and, finally, repair leaky hot water faucets as soon as you can. A one-drop-per-second leak wastes 160 gallons a month! A little attention goes a long way toward keeping you in hot water and lowering your costs.

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