Grand Forks AFB asked to reduce natural gas usage Published Jan. 27, 2014 GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, North Dakota -- Due to an explosion on a natural gas pipeline that occurred south of Winnipeg on Saturday morning, the natural gas company (Xcel Energy) has asked all customers to begin reducing the use of natural gas as a precautionary measure. This pipeline supplies natural gas to Fargo, Grand Forks, East Grand Forks, Moorhead, and Brainerd. Because of the extreme and harsh weather conditions this winter, and the shortage of propane and natural gas across the country, the 319th Air Base Wing will initiate conservation efforts to reduce consumption. Industrial areas and work centers will have their thermostat set to 60ºF during duty hours and 50ºF during after duty hours. Facilities with 24 hours operations will be set to 60ºF. For your safety, space heater usage is prohibited. It is advised that all members dress appropriately to work under this new condition. As a reminder, all personnel are responsible for helping to conserve energy, and when taking these measures at work, please be vigilant of temperatures around pipes on external walls. As a result of this step, Facility Managers (FACMAN) are required to inspect their facilities a minimum of three times a day to ensure there are no issues or damages caused to their building as a consequence of the reduced thermostat settings. If modified thermostat settings are needed to prevent damage to pipes or other infrastructure, FACMAN will coordinate with CES immediately. The CES Customer Service number is 747-5210. The 319th Air Base Wing is also asking housing residents to help conserve the use of natural gas and propane at home. Housing residents can assist by: - Setting maximum heating temperature to 64ºF while at home and 55ºF when you leave - Limiting hot water showers - Washing dishes by hand or using the shortest setting on your dishwasher - Washing clothes in cold water whenever possible If you plan to use several space heaters in housing, please ensure they are UL rated. Also, take care not to overload the circuits. For more information on space heaters, please visit this website.