Many residents, including those in Round Rock, Cedar Park and Leander, said they had been without heat since at least 5 a.m. this morning.
AUSTIN, Texas – Residents of central Texas are reporting no gas service early Friday morning.
After temperatures in the area dropped below freezing overnight, several Central Texas residents reported to KVUE that their energy provider ATMOS Energy had interrupted service and currently had no heating in their homes. .
“Looks like the gas pressure is low. Stove gas won’t stay on and house won’t heat up,” a viewer emailed KVUE regarding the situation. “My house is now 60 degrees and falling apart. No gas to heat.”
The Dallas-based natural gas company shut down its customer service line for the holiday weekend in an announcement made on Twitter.
Many residents, including those in Round Rock, Cedar Park and Leander, said they had been without heat since at least 5 a.m. this morning. The hard frost and wind chill advisory is expected to remain until noonSaturdaywith temperatures that will not exceed the freezing point for more than 12 hours.
“ATMOS Energy is out. No communication, they are closed,” KVUE sent another text message. “One person managed to reach the emergency line and was told the demand was too high and would resolve on its own when it warmed up.”
KVUE has reached out to ATMOS Energy for comment on what is being done to supply gas to these. At 10:30 a.m., no response.
ATMOS Energy announced on Twitter at 11:22 a.m. that for those in need of service, the company is experiencing high call volume due to cold temperatures. For those without gas, they are advised to stay in line and wait for an attendant.
The City of Leander tweeted at 11:25 a.m. that officials are working with ATMOS Energy to ensure residents have power and heat again.
For those with low gas pressure, the company has provided guidance on them website on how to conserve gas during periods of extremely cold temperatures. These include:
- Do not use your natural gas fireplace
- Lower the thermostat to 68 degrees
- Lower the water heater temperature to 120 degrees
- Unplug electronics and turn off all lights that are not in use
- Reduce showers and avoid taking baths
- Refrain from using large appliances like a washing machine, dryer, oven, and dishwasher until gas levels return
- Limit the opening of an oven door during use
- Do not use the pool heater if you have a swimming pool. Run the pool pump during the coldest part of the day to prevent the water from freezing
In Caldwell County, the Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative said it restored power to all 2,100 customers experiencing outages around Dale by 3.30pm on Friday. The utility also said power was restored Friday morning to more than 1,000 customers east of Lockhart.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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