Gas leaks

Gas Leaks

If you suspect a natural gas leak, get up, get out and get away! Then call RG&E immediately at 800.743.1702 or 911 from a safe location.

We will respond quickly to ensure that you and your family are safe.

Do not smoke or operate electrical switches or appliances. These items may produce a spark that might ignite the natural gas and cause an explosion.
Do not assume someone else will report the condition.
Provide the exact location, including cross streets.
Let us know if sewer construction or digging activities are going on in the area.

Use your senses to detect gas leaks

A natural gas leak is usually recognized by smell, sight, or sound. Remember, if you smell natural gas, get up, get out and call us immediately from a neighbor’s phone.

Smell
Natural gas is colorless and odorless. For your safety, a distinctive sulfur-like odor, similar to rotten eggs, is added so that you’ll recognize it quickly. Not all transmission lines are odorized.
Look
You may see a white cloud, mist, fog, bubbles in standing water or blowing dust. You may also see vegetation that appears to be dead or dying for no apparent reason.
Listen
You may hear an unusual noise like roaring, hissing, or whistling.

What kind of natural gas piping is in your home or business?

Homes and businesses built between 1990 and 2006, or older buildings that have had work done to the natural gas system during that period, might have corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) installed. If the CSST was improperly installed and lightning strikes the structure, the traveling lightning could cause a natural gas leak or possibly a fire.

All homes and businesses should have a professional inspect the natural gas system to identify CSST. If CSST is identified, we recommend that a licensed electrician ensure the CSST is bonded and properly grounded.

It’s important to inspect all types of natural gas pipes to make sure they are properly maintained.