Berkshire Gas Responding to Natural Gas Leak in Hatfield
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — October 21, 2021 3:30 p.m. —Berkshire Gas Company (BGC) is responding to a natural gas leak in Hatfield. At approximately noon today, a non-utility construction crew accidentally dug into and ruptured a gas service line on West Street. Pittsfield and Greenfield emergency services have responded and evacuated residents near the broken line. Eversource deenergized its power lines as a precautionary measure. Berkshire Gas crews are assessing the damage and developing a repair plan. The teams will work as quickly as possible until repairs are complete and energy services can be safely restored.
Currently, two Berkshire Gas customers are without natural gas service and have been evacuated. It is likely that more customers will have their service shut off temporarily so repairs to the system can be made safely. Berkshire Gas will make every effort to alert customers in advance of further disruption.
Berkshire Gas is asking residents to stay away from the area of 37 West Street to allow crews and first responders clear access.
Customers are reminded to call Berkshire Gas at 800.292.5012 to report gas leaks, odors or damaged gas equipment. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, leave the area or building and call from outdoors or a neighbor’s home. If there’s an immediate danger, call 911.
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About Berkshire Gas: The Berkshire Gas Company is a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. Established in 1853 and based in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Berkshire Gas operates 764 miles of natural gas distribution pipeline, serving approximately 40,000 customers across 20 Western Massachusetts communities. For more information, visit www.berkshiregas.com.
About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) aspires to be the leading sustainable energy company in the United States. Headquartered in Orange, CT with approximately $39 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states, AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns and operates eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 7,000 people and has been recognized by Forbes and Just Capital as one of the 2021 JUST 100 companies – a list of America’s best corporate citizens – and was ranked number one within the utility sector for its commitment to the environment and the communities it serves. The company supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2021 for the third consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information, visit www.avangrid.com.