Gas usage spiked prior to house explosions

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The gas usage of two area houses involved in recent natural gas explosions jumped between the last reading and the time of the explosions, according to a representative from NorthWestern Energy.

Tom Glanzer, NorthWestern Energy spokesman, said he could not release exact figures because of the company’s policy regarding customer information, but he said Wednesday that usage definitely increased in the time leading up to house explosions in Mitchell and Menno.

“There was a significant spike since their last reading,” Glanzer said.

But the spikes weren’t noticed until after the accidents, Glanzer said, because the usage isn’t monitored by computers. Rather, the usage numbers are manually reported and entered into the billing system.

Earlier this week, Gail Guthmiller, 56, was killed when her home in Menno exploded. Authorities believe a natural gas leak may have caused the blast. Al Christie, South Dakota state fire marshal, said there was no update on the investigation Wednesday.

Jose Aguirre, 38, was transported to a burn center in Minnesota on Aug. 18 after his home at 718 E. Hanson Ave. in Mitchell exploded because of what investigators believe was a natural gas leak in the house.

If a positive is to be taken from the incidents, Glanzer said, it’s that public awareness has increased. That, he said, will hopefully lead to consumers paying closer attention to warning signs, including the rotten egg smell of a natural gas leak.

“Unfortunately, it took these events to get us all aware of natural gas,” Glanzer said.

Glanzer said customers should watch for spikes in their natural gas bill. They can also take a look at their meter and check for unusual consumption rates.

He urges customers to have an annual furnace inspection, something he admits he himself has never had done.

“This is one of those times when it’s time to start practicing what you preach,” Glanzer said. “This will be the year that I start the annual furnace inspection.”

While NorthWestern does have an ad campaign to warn consumers about the dangers of natural gas, Glanzer said he expects additions to that program to happen in the coming weeks.

Scratch-and-sniff cards that emit the rotten egg smell of natural gas will also be distributed, Glanzer said.

Tags: house explosion, tom glanzer, gail guthmiller, jose aguirre, news, local