Sierra Pacific Power Company
Contact: Charles Fletcher
Phone: (775)834-3959

For Immediate Release

Sierra Pacific Power Co. began shutting off natural gas service to customers in Northwest Reno today after company crews discovered a closed gas value. As a safety precaution, the company is checking the integrity of the system which requires natural gas service to be turned off to Northwest Reno area customers tonight. Approximately 4,000 customers are affected in following area: west of Washington Street; north of Interstate 80; inside the McCarran loop; Kings Row above north McCarran.

Sierra Pacific employees will begin restoring service to affected customers this evening.

During the summer months, the company has been making major system improvements for customers in the Truckee Meadows. As a result, Sierra Pacific reconfigured its natural gas system to serve the customers from another source. Early this morning, Sierra Pacific gas personnel responded to reports of low gas pressure and located a closed valve that restricted gas flow to the affected area.

Sierra Pacific has every qualified employee working around the clock to get our customers back in gas service. Customer service personnel will be canvassing the area to re-light pilots beginning this evening. Top priority is being given to customers that have medical needs, are disabled or the elderly. If customers are not home when the service personnel arrive, they will receive a notice asking them to call our 24-hour call center at 834.4100.