Cascade Natural Gas asks NW Bend residents to reduce natural gas use during extreme cold snap to maintain service
(Update: CNG has Bend projects to expand pipeline capacity; Redmond projects complete)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Cascade Natural Gas on Friday asked customers in a large area of northwest Bend to reduce their natural gas usage from Friday evening at 6 p.m. until noon Monday due to the extreme cold temperatures due in the region.
The utility has projects underway in west Bend and completed in west Redmond to resolve pipeline capacity issues.
"We anticipate increased natural gas usage due to forecasted extreme cold temperatures in the area," the company said. "This may put stress on natural gas flow, which could affect service."
"You can help by lowering your thermostat as much as you can comfortably manage, minimizing hot water usage and turning off natural gas fireplaces, garage heaters and any other non-essential appliances that use natural gas," CNG stated. "With your cooperation, Cascade Natural Gas expects it can maintain service in the area.
The affected area is west of Northwest Mount Washington Drive, between NW Skyliners Road and Archie Briggs Road.
If you experience a natural gas outage, you're asked to call CNGC customer service at 888-522- 1130.
"We will notify you if circumstances change," the utility said.
CNG spokesman Mark Hanson explained the issues involved.
"It’s a matter of not enough pipeline capacity to reach the end of our system in that area," Hanson told NewsChannel 21.
"We had a similar conservation request in February 2023," he said. "That one also included another small area in Bend and west Redmond."
'Cascade has pipeline projects outlined that will eliminate this issue," Hanson said. "Cascade finished two projects in west Redmond that resolved the issue in that area, and two of three projects in west Bend, that resolved part of the issue there. The final project is still under construction. Once finished, it will resolve the capacity issue for west Bend."
