DECATUR (9:00 a.m.) -- Immediately following restoration of system pressure yesterday afternoon, technicians began relighting residential customers, and today technicians are spread across the city continuing service restoration efforts. Additional Black Hills Energy employees from across Arkansas have joined the effort to expedite restoration of service to Decatur customers. Approximately 20 technicians are working diligently to complete the restoration process.
As of this morning, service has been restored to approximately 243 customers. Most customers should have service restored by late afternoon, but it will take time to restore the customers we are not able to connect with today. Customers should not attempt to relight their appliances on their own.
At locations where no one is home or the business is closed, a tag will be left on the door notifying the customer that the natural gas has been shut off and to call the company for it to be turned back on. Additionally, someone over 18 years of age is required to be present during the relighting process, so customers can also help by being in the residence today if possible.
When a technician arrives to restore service, he will turn on the meter and then perform a variety of safety checks on gas appliances indoors, measuring for gas and carbon monoxide to identify any safety issues.