Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Minnesota News
MPR News Staff

Duluth lifts request for natural gas customers to dial back thermostats

Automatic thermostat
Natural gas customers east of Lake Avenue in Duluth were asked to turn their thermostats down to 62 degrees after a contractor hit a large gas main.
Jeffrey Thompson | MPR News 2009

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Updated: Jan. 30, 12:45 p.m.

The city of Duluth has lifted its request for natural gas customers in the eastern half of the city to keep their thermostats turned down, after the city's largest gas main was damaged.

“We would like to thank the public for their assistance over the last few days,” Greg Guerrero, interim director of the city's Public Works & Utilities Department, said in a news release at midday Sunday. “Reducing the load on the gas service allowed our crews and contractors to make the repairs that we needed to make, and gave us time to be confident about the flow of gas to serve customers. We know that for many this was an inconvenience and appreciate their help to maintain services to the entire community.”

Officials on Friday had asked Duluth natural gas customers east of Lake Avenue to lower their thermostats to 62 degrees, after the gas main break on Thursday night.

The city said it was part of an effort to reduce demand and avoid full gas shutoffs in some neighborhoods.

The gas main was damaged Thursday night when a contractor working in the Lincoln Park neighborhood drove a piling through the pipe. The city first asked residents to lower their thermostats on Friday morning.

Duluth Mayor Emily Larson issued a statement thanking the crews that worked through the weekend to repair the large gas main quickly, and preserve some level of natural gas service to the eastern half of the city.

“I also want to thank everyone impacted by this," Larson said. "Because so many were willing to sacrifice their comfort and turn their thermostats down, we didn’t have to shut off services to neighborhoods. We cannot thank residents and businesses enough for their patience and understanding.”