Union Gas reminds customers to keep gas meters and external exhaust outlets
for appliances free from ice and snow

CHATHAM, ON, Dec. 11 /CNW/ - Natural gas meters and the external vent pipes from gas furnaces, fireplaces, water heaters and clothes dryers can easily become buried beneath snow and ice at this time of year.

Clearing snow and ice away from the gas meter and the external exhaust outlets for natural gas furnaces, fireplaces, water heaters and clothes dryers helps ensure that both the meter and your natural gas appliances function properly, and allows Union Gas employees to safely access meters for accurate readings or in the case of an emergency.

    
    If you notice your meter or appliance vent pipe is covered with snow:
    -   Remove the snow carefully with either a brush or broom. Do not scrape
        your meter or vent pipe with a sharp instrument or kick your gas
        meter or vent pipes in an attempt to clear ice and snow.
    -   Do not shovel, plow or blow snow up against the meter or vent pipe,
        and be careful not to bump your meter with a snow blower.
    -   Remove any icicles from overhead eaves troughs to ensure dripping
        water does not splash and freeze on the meter or vent pipe.
    

Call 1 877 969-0999 toll free to report an icing problem with your meter or for any other gas emergencies. For more safety information visit uniongas.com/safety.

About Union Gas

Union Gas Limited is a major Canadian natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario with nearly 100 years of experience and service to customers. The distribution business serves 1.3 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in more than 400 communities across northern, southwestern and eastern Ontario. Union Gas's growing storage and transmission business offers premium storage and transportation services to customers at the Dawn Hub, the largest underground storage facility in Canada and one of the largest in North America . It offers customers an important link in the movement of natural gas from Western Canadian and U.S. supply basins to markets in central Canada and the northeast U.S. A Spectra Energy company, Union Gas has assets of $5 billion and approximately 2,200 employees. Visit uniongas.com for more information.

For further information: Andrea Stass, Manager, Public Affairs and Media Relations Union Gas Limited, Ph: [phone] or 1-800-571-8446 ext. 5490, Cell: [phone], Fax: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]