National Grid Restores Gas Service to 95% of Impacted Customers in Newport

Gas Service Restoration Continues in Earnest

January 27, 2019

CONTACT: Media Relations - 781-907-3981

Newport, R.I. - National Grid announced tonight that 95% of customers impacted by the gas service interruption in Newport have had their meters turned back on and gas appliances re-lit by qualified technicians. More than 600 National Grid, mutual aid, and contractor gas technicians were out restoring service late into the night.  The Company urges customers who have remained in their homes to please leave an exterior light on to signal that National Grid technicians are welcome to knock on your door during late evening hours.

The re-lighting process requires technicians to physically enter the impacted premises and re-light all gas appliances. Because of the time-consuming nature of this work, each customer visit will take approximately 45 minutes. An individual over the age of 18 must be present during the re-lighting process.

“Our top priority throughout the restoration process has been to return as many customers to their homes and businesses as quickly and safely as possible,” said Terry Sobolewski, Chief Customer Officer and SVP, National Grid, US. "While we are pleased to have been able to turn on more than 6,000 meters in the past 36 hours, we still have more work to do.  As a dedicated member of the Newport and Middletown communities, we will continue our efforts to bring back those customers who are still without service."

A number of the customers awaiting restoration may be seasonal residents that do not reside in Newport during the winter months; therefore, full restoration may not occur until those customers request restoration of gas service upon their return to the Island.

National Grid reminds customers never to turn on their own meters or attempt to re-light their gas appliances. This is extremely dangerous.

The Company invites customers to visit www.ngrid.com/aquidneck where they can find  updates on the restoration efforts, answers to key questions, a list of hotels in the region, alternative heating options, and information needed for the claims process.

National Grid will provide another update on the restoration efforts on Monday afternoon.  Time and location to be announced tomorrow.