Public Awareness

What is Natural Gas?

Natural gas (methane, CH4) comes from the decomposed remains of ancient plants and animals. The erosion process carried these biological remains down rivers and streams onto shorelines, where they were deposited along with mud and silt. Intense heat and pressure transformed these fossils into hydrocarbons- chemical compounds of hydrogen and carbon atoms. Depending on the arrangement of the atoms, what were once sea plants and animals are now natural gas or crude oil deposits contained in the earth's crust.

History of Natural Gas

Centuries ago, man noticed that lightning ignited natural gas seeping from the ground and creating a "burning spring." Burning springs of natural gas were prominent in religious practices of ancient Persia, Greece, and India, where temples were constructed around these "eternal flames." However, they did not recognize the energy value or potential usefulness of natural gas. Ancient Chinese realized that natural gas could work for them. About 500 B.C., they used natural gas to make portable water by piping it from shallow wells through bamboo poles to evaporate salt from sea water.

The birthplace of natural gas in America is Fredonia, New York . In 1821, Fredonia residents observed gas bubbles rising to the surface from a creek. William Hart dug the first natural gas well in America along a creek outside Fredonia. The well was approximately 27 feet deep. (By contrast, today's wells are over 30,000 feet deep.)

Other individuals expanded upon his work and a group of entrepreneurs formed the Fredonia Gas Light Company, our nation's first natural gas company. Natural gas drilling continued throughout western New York, Pennsylvania, northern Ohio, and northern Indiana. By 1900, natural gas was discovered in 17 states.

Natural gas continued to aggressively compete with manufactured gas into the 1920's. In the 1950's, interstate pipelines reached across the entire continent to provide competitive, naturally occurring natural gas, and manufactured gas' dominance declined. America's interstate pipeline system now contains over one million miles of pipe that deliver large quantities of clean, efficient and cost-effective natural gas to different regions.

Natural Gas Facts

• Natural gas is lighter than air, non-toxic and contains no poisonous ingredients. Breathing natural gas is not harmful as long as there is an adequate supply of air to breathe along with it.
• Natural gas by itself will not burn. Combustion can occur only when there is a mixture of gas and air containing between 5% and 15% natural gas and between 95% and 85% air.
• Natural gas in its natural state is odorless. An odor that smells like rotten eggs is added to natural gas so that you can smell it.
• Because of its unique qualities of being lighter than air with a narrow band of combustion, natural gas is one of the safest energy sources available. Understanding and following safety procedures will make it even safer.

Natural Gas Safety

• Get everyone out of the building immediately.
• Leave the door open.
• Use a neighbor's phone or cellular phone outside of the building to call Citizens Gas. 569-8289 or 628-2800
• DO NOT use the telephone in the building.
• DO NOT operate any electrical switches, appliance controls, or pull any plugs from outlets.
• Close the cut-off valve near the gas meter and DO NOT turn it on again. (Citizens Gas' representative will turn it back on.)
• If possible, ventilate the building by opening doors and windows at top and bottom. Start where odor is strongest. DO NOT re-enter the building for this purpose.
• IF YOU SMELL OR DETECT NATURAL GAS OUTSIDE, CALL CITIZENS GAS UTILITY DISTRICT IMMEDIATELY. (423) 569-4457 (423) 569-8289 (423) 628-2800 (423) 627-4122

Carbon Monoxide Awareness

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, non-visible gas that can be formed when fuels like charcoal, coal, gasoline, kerosene, natural gas, oil, propane or wood are burned without a sufficient supply of air. Carbon monoxide can be produced when appliances are not properly installed, maintained or used; when vent pipes become plugged with debris; when vent pipes have gaps, leaks, spaces and rust-through spots; and when appliances are improperly vented. (All vented appliances must be vented to the outside.)

Exposure to carbon monoxide poisons the body and can cause collapse or even death. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, and nausea. The best prevention for carbon monoxide problems is to have appliances installed properly and periodically inspected.

Flammables

DO NOT use or store flammable products such as gasoline, solvents, or adhesives in the same room or area near the water heater or any other gas appliance.

Gas appliances such as water heaters installed in open garages must be installed eighteen inches (18") above the level of the garage floor. This reduces the risk of gasoline or other flammable vapors being ignited by the main burner or pilot flame.

Water Heater Safety

WATER TEMPERATURES OVER 125 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT WITH ANY TYPE OF WATER HEATER CAN CAUSE SEVERE BURNS INSTANTLY FROM SCALDS.

Children, the disabled and the elderly are at the highest risk of being scalded. See instruction manual before setting temperature of water heater. Feel water before bathing or showering. Temperature limiting valves are available. See water heater owner's manual.

Propane Conversion

Some propane equipment can be converted to use with natural gas. Check manufacturer's information or owner's manual to determine whether or not it can be converted. Remember that only qualified personnel should convert your appliances.

Pipeline Safety

Citizens Gas would like to remind you of the importance of having natural gas lines located, free of charge, before doing any digging. Each year accidental line breaks of natural gas pipelines and other utilities result in disruption of services, millions of dollars in damages, serious injuries, and sometimes loss of life. Don't take chances......Call Before You Dig!

Tennessee One Call Statewide Notification Service: 1-800-351-1111 CGUD (423) 569-4457 (423) 628-2800 (423) 627-4122

All digging in the vicinity of piping should be carefully done by hand. This will avoid the inconvenience of disrupted service, personal injury and expensive repairs.

Violation of the "Call before you Dig" Act is a Class A misdemeanor and subject to a fine up to $2,500 and/or imprisonment for 48 hours. If a gas main or service line is exposed during digging, call Citizens Gas. Proper attention to pipe that has been exposed will prevent problems later.

Customer Owned Lines

Federal Regulation Number 192.16 requires that we notify you to exercise diligence regarding underground or buried gas piping. Buried pipe may be subject to leakage and/or corrosion (corrosion may occur on metallic pipe) and could potentially be subject to hazards if not maintained.

Remember that any and all gas pipe downstream of the gas meter ( the "building" side) belongs to you, the gas customer, and the gas customer is responsible for maintenance and operation of this portion of the fuel line system. We do not own the gas beyond the meter; therefore we do not routinely maintain or locate fuel lines. Commercial plumbers and/ or heating contractors may be contacted when gas fuel lines need attention.

Buried gas piping should be:

• Periodically inspected for leaks;
• Periodically inspected for corrosion if the piping is metallic;
• Repaired if any unsafe condition is discovered, or the flow of gas should be shut off; and when excavation is performed or is about to be performed near the buried gas piping, the piping should be located and marked in advance, and any excavating performed near the pipe should be done by hand.
• If you have any questions or comments, please contact a representative of Citizens Gas. (423) 569-8289 or (423) 628-2800

Various Uses of Natural Gas

Residential Use

Heating

Natural gas heat is energy efficient, making maximum use of every energy dollar you spend. Natural gas heats air up to around 120 degrees Fahrenheit, keeping your home warm and comfortable even when temperatures outside are well below freezing.

Cooking

Natural gas burners regulate instantly. The heat is there when you need it, saving time on meal preparation. There is no waiting for elements to heat up or cool down- and gas burners heat evenly with no hot spots. You can see and adjust the flame, so there's no guessing. You can sauté or stir fry like the pros. Today's natural gas cook tops, ranges, double ovens and professional style equipment are designed with contemporary kitchens in mind.

Water Heating

Natural gas water heaters will help you make the most of your energy dollar. Natural gas water heaters recharge quickly , so no more cold showers! Most do not require electricity to operate, leaving you with hot water even when the power is out.

Clothes Drying

As with cooking and heating, installation of a natural gas clothes dryer can help you save valuable energy dollars. Clothes dry quickly and efficiently. No heating elements to short, burn out, or replace.

Fireplaces

Gas fireplaces provide safe and attractive units which supply warmth, coziness, and efficiency desired in today's homes. With natural gas fireplaces, you will never have to worry about sparks or flying embers. They are available in vent free models and some models can be used in the bedroom. Please make sure that the manufacturer's specifications are closely followed, as with any natural gas or propane appliance.

Gas Grills

Gas grills cost pennies to operate-- less than one-tenth of the cost of cooking with charcoal. Cooking time is also reduced dramatically. A hamburger patty, which would take twenty two minutes to cook on a charcoal grill , may take only 9 to 10 minutes on a gas grill.