Natural Gas Safety

Download Our Pipeline Safety Fact Sheet

At Elizabethtown Gas, we’re continually improving and maintaining our natural gas pipeline infrastructure. This system – with 22 miles of transmission and more than 3,000 miles of distribution pipelines in New Jersey – brings safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly natural gas to approximately 273,000 customers in our state.

In 2009, New Jersey regulators authorized us to accelerate our plan to invest $60 million which allowed the replacement of 49 miles of aging distribution cast-iron pipe, enhancing the safe operation of our system. From 1996 through 2009, Elizabethtown Gas replaced more than 204 miles of natural gas pipeline.

In addition to maintaining the safe condition of our pipelines through regular inspections, we use state-of-the-art technology to ensure the integrity of our system. Our Gas Control Operations Center continuously monitors the flow of natural gas through our pipelines and any changes in operating conditions. Our gas controllers have the ability to adjust flows and operation pressures, and to shut off natural gas flowing in our transmission lines.

If You Smell Gas … Act Quickly
A rotten egg odor is added to natural gas so that you can smell a leak if it occurs. The gas itself is actually odorless, but a substance called “mercaptan” is added as a precaution.

If you smell a natural gas odor:

• Do not use any devices that might create a spark, such as light switches, phones, flashlights or electric appliances, including computers. A spark could ignite the gas.
• Immediately have everyone leave the house.
• Go to a nearby phone and call the Elizabethtown Gas hotline to report the odor.
• Keep everyone away from the building until given the “all clear” from a gas company employee.
• Remember: Never try to find the leak yourself.

To report a gas leak, call 1-800-492-4009.

Other Gas Safety Tips

• Gas appliances should have proper air circulation at all times.
• A gas flame should burn bright blue. A yellow or orange flame could indicate improper combustion or venting.
• Keep flammable or combustible items away from gas appliances and equipment.
• Use gas equipment only for what it’s designed to do. For example, you should never use a stove or range for heating.
• Buy only gas equipment that has the American Gas Association Blue Star seal of approval, which shows that the appliance meets safety standards.
• Always keep one or more fire extinguishers in your home.