COMMUNITY UTILITY COMPANY
116 EAST MAIN ST.
P.O. BOX 37
RACINE, MN. 55967
(507) 378-2121
Date_____________
As your natural gas suppliers in this area, we wish to welcome you to ourcommunity.
We have included in this packet information you may find useful and would like to answer any questions you may have about our utility business.
We bill out your natural gas usage once a month with the meters being read at the end of each month. You will also find a monthly customer charge, indicated on your bill in a single amount, that is currently $9.00 for residential customers. All gas bills are payable on or before the 21st of each month. We accept all major credit cards for gas bills but at the present time do not electronically withdraw funds from your personal checking accounts. You may, however, pay your gas bills at the Farmers & Merchants Bank in either Racine or Grand Meadow or drop it in our drop box at our office door in Racine.
We offer a residential even pay plan for anyone requesting it and will be happy to compile a history of your property natural gas usage for the past 12 month period. Our even pay program is evaluated annually and can begin at anytime from April 15th to October 1st of any year. We do not begin the even pay programs during the winter months.
WARNING: During the winter months icy snow may accumulate on and around your gas meters. When thawing takes place and it melts onto the regulators of the meter it can cause a gas explosion. Please keep your meters free of any build ups and also free of foliage accumulating around them for your safety.
If we can be of any help to you in the community please feel free to give us a call.
Thank you from our Staff:
Paul Thompson, Owner/Operator
Connie Thompson, Office Manager
K.T. Webb, Admin Ass’t
Ed Doherty and Ty Thompson, Operations and Line Technicians
COMMUNITY UTILITY COMPANY
116 E. MAIN ST. BOX #37
RACINE, MN. 55967
507-378-2121
SAFETY NOTICE FOR NATURAL GAS CUSTOMERS
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) requires all operators of natural gas service lines to notify customers who own buried natural gas piping that is not maintained by the utility company. The customer is responsible for maintaining the buried piping.
“Maintain” means to monitor buried piping for corrosion if it is metallic, survey for leaks; and, if an unsafe condition is found, shut off the flow of gas, advise the customer of the need to repair the unsafe condition, or repair the unsafe condition.
“Customers’ buried piping” means buried natural gas piping not owned by the utility, but does not include branch lines that serve yard lanterns, pool heaters, gas grills or other types of secondary equipment.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I OWN BURIED PIPING?
The portion of buried piping that you own is generally the portion of gas piping on your side of the meter. Many customers do not own any buried gas piping.
WHAT ARE CUSTOMERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES REGARDING BURIED PIPING?
The company does not maintain customer-owned buried piping. All customers should periodically inspect the buried piping for leaks, and periodically monitor the buried piping for corrosion. If the buried piping is not maintained, it may be subject to potential hazards of corrosion and leakage. Customers’ buried gas piping should be repaired or replaced if any leaks or unsafe conditions are discovered.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A NATURAL GAS LEAK?
Signs of a natural gas leak include:
- a meter dial that continues to move after all natural gas appliances and equipment have been shut off.
- unexplained sudden increase in gas consumption
- distinct natural gas odor
If you become aware of a gas leak, please contact us at: 507-378-2121.
WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF THERE IS A LEAK?
If a leak or unsafe condition is discovered on customer’s piping during the course of a leak survey, the customer will be notified. If a leak or unsafe condition presents a probable hazard to persons or property, gas service will be disconnected until the proper repair or line replacement is made.
HOW DO I LOCATE BURIED PIPING?
When excavating near buried gas piping, the piping must be located in advance, and the digging done by hand within two feet of the markings. Call before you dig:
Gopher State One Call - # 1-800-252-1166.
WHO CAN DO THE MAINTENANCE FOR ME?
Customers may choose to have repairs, replacements or maintenance performed by any qualified contractor, or by the local utility. Your local utility provides these as an ongoing service to customers. Proper construction of buried piping also is critical for operational safety. Only approved installation practices and materials should be used.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR?
All costs associated with maintenance and repair of customers’ piping are the responsibility of the customer or the property owner.
WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
IF YOU HAVE FURTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS PROGRAM, PLEASE CALL 507-378-2121
