Due to continued high levels of ground movement in key zones within six Last Mountain Lake communities, SaskEnergy today announced it will be permanently removing natural gas service for about 250 property owners, or about 16% of its customer base in the area.
SaskEnergy monitors ground movement using below-ground measurement devices, natural gas leak surveys, geotechnical analysis, mapping and satellite monitoring. Since the summer of 2014, SaskEnergy has repaired underground leaks on its system in the impacted zones at significantly higher rates compared to the provincial average.
“We understand this will be difficult for these customers, but their safety and that of the communities we serve must come first,” said Ken From, President and Chief Executive Officer, SaskEnergy. “Significant ground shifting is continuing in isolated zones within these communities and, despite extensive infrastructure upgrades, SaskEnergy can no longer safely serve customers in those zones.”
Impacted customers at Regina Beach, Buena Vista, Saskatchewan Beach, Shore Acres, Sundale and Craven are being contacted directly by SaskEnergy and will have until September 5th, 2017 to transition their home’s natural gas appliances to another fuel source.
In 2015, SaskEnergy disconnected service to 30 customers in the area, due to the impacts on its pipeline infrastructure from ground movement.
“Our geotechnical data indicates minimal ground movement elsewhere in these communities and the rest of Last Mountain Lake. We will continue to monitor slope movement throughout the region to ensure we can provide safe and reliable service to our customers,” From said.
SaskEnergy will offer a Fuel Transition Allowance to affected property owners to assist them in transitioning appliances to alternate fuel sources. Last Mountain Lake customers needing more information can call 1-844-465-9722.
For further information, please contact:
Dave Burdeniuk
Director, Government and Media Relations, SaskEnergy
Phone: 1-306-777-9842
Cell: 1-306-535-6569
Email