With temperatures dropping, AusNet Services (AusNet) is encouraging its customers, such as those in Hume and Whittlesea, to ensure their homes and businesses are gas ready for winter.
AusNet network operations and safety executive general manager Prue Crawford-Flett, said over 760,000 customers within its gas distribution network are now firing up their gas appliances a lot more. Following a few simple steps now can help keep people safe, warm and energy efficient over winter.
“A good first step is to make sure your gas appliances are serviced in line with the manufacturer’s specifications. For safety, gas heaters should be serviced every two years,” she said.
“Natural gas is flammable and gas appliances can leak carbon monoxide, making them dangerous if they’re not properly serviced. Make sure you use a qualified gasfitter to maintain the safety of your gas appliances in your home and business.
“We’ve completed a number of major gas projects to keep your gas flowing safely and reliably. Last year we upgraded around 55 kilometres of low and medium pressure mains to high pressure mains, including many of the oldest mains within our network across Melbourne’s inner west, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and Colac.”
This year AusNet will upgrade around 72 kilometres of low-pressure mains in Ballarat and Colac and continue upgrading and improving the gas network in Melbourne’s inner west, Geelong, Portland, Horsham, Stawell, the Macedon Ranges, Gisborne, Leopold, Sunbury and Sunbury East.
During winter, peak demand and unforeseen events may cause temporary interruptions to gas supply on the fringes of the network so it’s important to know what to do during an outage:
– Call 13 67 07 to report any gas leaks or interruptions to your gas supply. You don’t need to turn your gas meter off before calling AusNet.
– Stay away from suspected faulty or leaking gas pipes.
– Life support customers can call AusNet’s priority line on 1800 818 832, 24 hours a day ,seven days a week.
“Our priority is to restore supply as quickly as possible to reduce any impact to our customers,” Ms Crawford-Flett said.
