National Grid urges LIers to reduce gas usage despite frigid temperatures on Christmas Day

The utility company sent out an urgent request email on Christmas Eve, which included advising customers to avoid using gas fireplaces, clothes dryers, and other appliances that use gas. They also say to turn your thermostat down five degrees in the house -- and have it set to 60 if you are not home.

News 12 Staff

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Dec 25, 2022, 2:02 PM

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Updated 622 days ago

National Grid urged customers on Long Island to reduce their gas usage on Christmas day despite frigid temperatures, leaving many frustrated about the situation.

The utility company sent out an urgent request email on Christmas Eve, which included advising customers to avoid using gas fireplaces, clothes dryers, and other appliances that use gas. They also say to turn your thermostat down five degrees in the house -- and have it set to 60 if you are not home.

"My husband's Crocs froze to the deck. And they want us to lower the gas? No. No thanks," Huntington's Tuesday Gundersen told News 12.

Owners of natural gas pipelines have reported equipment problems caused by these freezing temps. The heavy demand for natural gas is challenging National Grid to provide enough gas throughout the Northeast. They acknowledged reducing gas can help prevent a potential gas outage.

"I understand it's one of the coldest weeks and days of the year," added Kenny Strohl, Huntington. "It's Christmas, it's the holiday season at least this week through the New Year they should let us use as much gas at we need."

A National Grid spokesperson declined an interview but told News 12 their teams have been busy addressing problems across the state caused by Friday's storm.

According to National Grid, there are more than one point nine million natural gas customers in the New York Metro area and on Long Island.