Natural gas supplies enter the local distribution network at two town border stations. Natural gas is transported to the community via connections from two interstate natural gas pipelines. Also, two propane/air mixing plants can be operated in order to "shave" the consumption peaks during winter's coldest days. Hastings Utilities is highly committed to a reliable and safe system. This commitment is demonstrated by a constant program of upgrading and replacing old mains and having personnel available 24 hours a day to handle any problems. Even with the changes in the energy picture in the last few years, natural gas and its municipally-owned distribution system remains an important energy source to the citizens of Hastings.

There is never a charge for crews from Hastings Utilities to check for natural gas leaks or to test for possible levels of carbon monoxide buildups. Those services are always provided free of charge.
Service call charges from Hastings Utilities.

Did you know? If your furnace is more than 10 years old, it's likely only about 60-70 percent efficient, meaning you lose about 45 cents of every heating dollar you spend. Most new furnaces are more than 80 percent efficient. The energy efficiency of a forced-air furnace is measured by its AFUE or (annual fuel utilization efficiency). This number, which can be found on the yellow and black EnergyGuide label, calculates the percent of energy used that is returned to your home in the form of warm air. For example, today's high-efficiency furnaces have an average AFUE of 93.2 - for every dollar you spend on heating energy, 93.2 percent is put back into your home as warmed air.

Keys to natural gas safety:
Leaking natural gas is dangerous. It can be deadly to breathe. Also, it can cause a fire or explosion. A natural gas leak is indicated by the strong smell of rotten eggs (the chemical ethyl mercaptan, which is added to natural gas). Here are some safety rules to follow if you smell natural gas:

DO-
-Exit the building immediately.
-Leave the door open on the way out.
-Go to another place and call Hastings Utilities at 463-1371
-Stay away until someone from Hastings Utilities or the Fire Dept. says it's safe to return.

DON'T-
-Operate anything electrical or light a flame.
-Turn on the lights.
-Use the telephone.
-Turn on a flashlight.
-Open an automatic garage door