What's That Smell? Could be Your PSE Bill Helping You Recognize Gas Leaks

The Puget Sound Energy bills reaching more than 1.5 million homes and businesses now through September stink. An enclosed scratch and sniff pamphlet engages customers to recognize the odorant used to help identify and safely report suspected natural gas leaks.

A scratch on the natural gas safety pamphlet releases a distinctive, sulfur-like aroma, a smell similar to rotten eggs. To help detect natural gas leaks more easily, PSE and other natural gas utilities add an odorant, called mercaptan, to natural gas, which is naturally odorless and colorless.

“We distribute this pamphlet to our customers and others in the region to make sure both natural gas users and the general public are familiar with the odor so they can recognize it and safely report if they suspect a natural gas leak around their homes or elsewhere,” said Martha Monfried, director of Corporate Communications. “We actively promote public awareness about how to prevent a natural gas leaks by calling 811 two days before digging and how to recognize and safely report suspected leaks by calling us at 888-225-5773 or 911 from a safe distance.”

If anyone suspects a natural gas leak, follow these steps:

• Leave the area immediately.
• Do not use phones. Do not turn any electric switches, appliances or lights on or off.
• Do not smoke, light a match, use a lighter or do anything that might create a spark.
• Use a phone well away from the area and call PSE, 24 hours a day, at 1-888-225-5773, or 911.

“Smell isn’t the only way to detect a natural gas leak,” added Monfried. “A hissing sound, blowing dirt, or bubbles in a puddle may also indicate a possible natural gas leak.”

PSE encourages everyone to take the online “Test Your Natural Gas IQ” quiz at PSE.com.

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-- Information from Puget Sound Energy