Reno gas customers miss heat in summer

Thursday, Sept. 2, 1999 | 10:01 a.m.

Sierra Pacific Power Co. said says a closed valve choked the system yesterday morning when the weather turned cold.

The utility said gas would note be restored until this evening to some customers in the area bordered by North McCarran Boulevard, Washington Street and Interstate 80.

"It is a very complicated process bringing a gas system back from no pressure," said Mike Rodriguez, Sierra Pacific's supervisor of gas system controls.

Teams of Sierra Pacific workers and some contractors roamed the affected area, first turning off valves into houses, then returning to turn valves on and re-light pilot lights.

Crews are prioritizing customers who are disabled, elderly or have medical needs.

Rodriguez said he didn't know why the valve was closed, but said vandalism isn't suspected.

"Hopefully the weather will warm up so heat won't be a problem," he said.

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