Duluth Natural Gas Residents Asked to Keep Thermostats Low Through Weekend After Gas Main Break Thursday

DULUTH, Minn.- All natural gas residents east of Lake Avenue are asked to maintain 62 degrees inside homes and businesses through the weekend, as City of Duluth crews continue repairing a large gas main that was damaged within the Can of Worms construction going on near Michigan street and 19th Avenue West Thursday.

“Crews have been working hard to repair the pipe. This work takes time and is complicated,” Greg Guerrero, Interim Director of Public Works & Utilities said. “We are seeing a positive impact from customers making the temperature reduction, which lessens the load on our gas system and makes our jobs easier. We understand that this is an inconvenience and we greatly appreciate the community’s help throughout this process.”

According to a spokesperson with the City, the main that was damaged is the City’s largest natural gas main, and because gas flows West to East, residents East of Lake Avenue are affected by a possible natural gas disruption.

Reducing thermostats East of Lake Ave., the spokesperson said, helps make sure that all businesses and homes are able to heat with the gas remaining in the system. Without customer assistance
neighborhoods are at risk of a full gas shutoff.

The City will continue to provide updates on the progress of the repair and work to safely introduce gas back into the main. The City will provide an update on social media, press release, and a Northland Alert when this request has been lifted.