A portion of the natural gas distribution system in the City of Kingston is being turned off this morning in order to expedite repairs to address a low delivery pressure condition caused by weather-related icing to a natural gas regulator station on Spring Street. The condition prevents natural gas appliances from operating properly. Natural gas service will be interrupted to approximately 1,000 homes and businesses in the southern portion of the city, west of Route 9W and affecting an area including West Strand Street and Broadway to Andrew Street. Electric service to these homes and businesses will not be affected.

Central Hudson crews are at work addressing the problem, and assembling additional resources to expedite repairs as quickly as possible. Central Hudson representatives will be turning off natural gas meters at each affected residence and business, and the utility stresses that it is necessary that a person be available at their location to allow access to their meter as this is a critical first step in the process.

Once system repairs are made, the utility will begin the task of restoring natural gas service by re-visiting each affected home and business to turn meters back on and safely relight their gas appliances. The utility will again request that affected residents and businesses have someone present during the restoration process to allow access.

The entire process is estimated to last at least 48 hours, depending upon utility access to customer homes, particularly in turning off meters. Natural gas service restoration cannot begin until all meters have been turned off, and many meters in this historic section of Kingston are located indoors. Customers are encouraged to provide the utility with a cell phone number or alternate contact information in the event they may not be at home.

Central Hudson is working with community agencies to establish overnight shelters for affected residents.

Customers may contact Central Hudson with questions regarding their natural gas service and alternate contact information by calling (845) 452-2700 or 1-800-527-2714.

Customers are reminded that Central Hudson workers will need access to impacted homes and businesses in order to expedite service restoration; customers are encouraged to provide the utility with a cell phone number or alternate contact information in the event they may not be at home. Customers can do this online by clicking on the Keep in Touch button at the bottom of www.CentralHudson.com, or by calling Central Hudson at (845) 452-2700 or 1-800-527-2714.

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