Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. continues to remove water from natural gas mains and restore natural gas service to an impacted neighborhood in the City of Newburgh. The source of the water infiltration has been identified as an improperly installed residential water heater by a non-Central Hudson contractor. The incident began on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 21, affecting 82 homes and buildings along Palantine Ave., Kennedy Place and Dupont Ave. As of this morning, gas has been restored to 31 homes and buildings, while the majority gas interruptions remain on Dupont Ave.

“We continue the laborious process of removing water from the gas pipelines serving this section of the City of Newburgh and are working around the clock to restore gas service to the remaining 51 homes and buildings,” said Paul. E. Haering, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Operations. He explained that service restorations to some of the remaining homes and buildings is expected take place this morning, and additional service restorations will be made as more water is removed from the gas mains. He also said that residents should take steps to prevent frozen pipes in their homes by opening faucets to allow water to drip, and opening cabinet doors where water pipes run through.

When gas service is restored, utility workers will require access to each home and building to inspect interior piping and safely relight natural gas heaters and appliances. In some cases, gas meters may be replaced. Residents will be asked to remain at home or to make arrangements to have a responsible adult present to allow entry when informed that service restoration will be performed. Central Hudson representatives carry identification and will show it upon request.

 “We appreciate the patience of our customers as we work to restore natural gas service, and once again thank the City of Newburgh, the Orange County Office of Emergency Management, the New York State Office of Emergency Management and the Red Cross for their assistance as we worked to address this incident,” said. Haering.

For more information, visit www.CentralHudson.com.