National Fuel offers advice

As the first anniversary of the October "Surprise" snowstorm and power outage approaches, National Fuel is urging its customers to ensure that their existing gas line and meter are sufficient to provide the additional volume of natural gas that a generator will require.

Customers can call National Fuel's customer response center at 1-800-365-3234, Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. to begin the investigation process.

In some cases, a field visit will be required and if an upgrade is necessary, the customer will be responsible for the costs associated with the new equipment.

The associated costs will vary for each customer, but in most cases the cost of a new meter will range from $150 and up, while the cost for a new service will begin around $1,000.

The cost for new service is ultimately determined based on the length and size of the pipe required.

Customers should be sure that this evaluation has been conducted before having a generator installed, as an insufficient flow of gas to a generator may cause it or other natural gas appliances in the home to malfunction, creating an unsafe situation.

For information, visit www. nationalfuelgas.com.