2023-11-13 18:35:51
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — It could be several days before Mountaineer Gas has natural gas service restored to more than 1,100 customers on Charleston’s West Side following the flooding of its distribution system.
Amy Goodwin
West Virginia American Water Company experienced a water main break last Friday which sent water into Mountaineer’s low pressure system that supplies gas to homes and businesses. The company said Monday it has its own personnel and contractors on hand to dry out those lines so service can be restored but it could take a few days.
All customer meters are turned off and restoration will require door-to-door visits to make sure its safe to restore service.
Kanawha County Schools said Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary School would be closed again Tuesday because of the problems.
Charleston resident Jules Torco lives in Jarrett Terrace. He said it’s cold at night.
“We’ve not had no heat for days and it’s very devastating,” Torco told MetroNews. “That means we have no heat and it’s cold. We have not hot weather so we can’t bathe. It’s very devastating.”
Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin sounded frustrated in a statement she released at midday Monday following call with representatives of both Mountaineer Gas and West Virginia American Water.
MORE Read Goodwin statement here
“I have asked both companies for immediate, thorough, and accurate communication to be delivered to our residents and businesses on the West Side,” Goodwin said. “Our residents are understandably infuriated about the lack of information that has been provided to them about the restoration of their gas service.”
Goodwin said her office began responding after learning of the situation Friday evening. She said they worked with the Red Cross to establish a warming shelter over the weekend but no one took advantage of it. She said the North Charleston Community Center and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center was open Monday for anyone wanting a warm shower.
Torco said he and his neighbors will just have to keep dealing with the situation.
“We need to fix it,” he said. “It’s a serious problem and it needs to be fixed.”
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