Bitterly cold temperatures through Wednesday are expected to push natural gas use to near record levels. However, Wisconsin Public Service says the supply is adequate to serve customers, barring the unforeseen. The Green Bay utility set a record for natural gas use earlier in the month & anticipates approaching that level in the next couple of days. WPS has curtailed gas service to its interruptible customers. Those customers have an alternate fuel supply & receive lower rates in exchange for allowing the utility to interrupt natural gas service during periods of extremely high use. The company has also limited its transportation customers, customers who buy gas from a different supplier that WPS distributes through its gas lines, to the amount of gas they deliver to the natural gas system.
Public service is advising its customers who choose to use alternatives for heating to be cautious. Electric or fossil-fueled space heaters should only be used following the manufacturer’s instructions. They must be located away from flammable objects & in an area that allows for proper ventilation. Customers should not use electric stoves or ovens for heat, it is dangerous. Burns could result from inadvertent contact with them & fire is a danger if the heating coils are contacted by flammable objects. WPS says never use charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal produces high levels of carbon monoxide that can sicken or kill. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, tasteless gas that does not emit an odor.
