TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 13, 2012) - To operate safely and efficiently, natural gas meters, pressure regulators and appliance exhaust vents should be kept free of snow and ice.

Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. encourages customers to take the following steps this winter:

• regularly check your natural gas meter, pressure regulator and appliance exhaust vents to ensure they are clear of snow and ice;
• keep eavestroughs in good repair and fix leaky seams in or around downspouts to prevent water from dripping on gas equipment and appliance vents;
• don't pile snow against gas equipment or appliance vents. They need to be easily accessible and, when on sidewalks or laneways, visible to snow plow operators;
• don't block your vents as this could cause dangerous carbon monoxide to build up indoors;
• use extra caution when using a shovel, plow or snow blower near gas equipment or appliance vents; and
• use a broom or car brush to gently clear snow or ice around your natural gas meter and appliance vents.

Do not use sharp objects or force, such as kicking or hitting, to remove the snow or ice from natural gas meters, regulators or appliance vents.

Also, if you have a seasonal property or are away on vacation make sure that someone is checking your property for you.

If assistance is required to clear a blocked appliance vent, you should contact your heating contractor. If you do not have one, you can look one up online or in the phone book under 'Heating Contractors' or 'Appliances - Sales & Services.'

If snow or ice build-up on natural gas meters or regulators cannot be gently removed with a broom or car brush, call Enbridge Gas Distribution for assistance at 1-877-Enbridge (362-7434).

Additional information is available at www.enbridgegas.com/safetytips.

Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. has a more than 160-year history and is Canada's largest natural gas distribution company. It is owned by Enbridge Inc., a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution and one of the 2010 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations. Enbridge Inc. has been selected as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2011 and is one of Canada's Top 100 Employers. Enbridge Gas Distribution and its affiliates distribute natural gas to more than 1.9 million customers in Ontario, Quebec, New York State and New Brunswick. For more information, visit www.enbridgegas.com.

Media Contact:
Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc.
Chris Meyer
(416) 753-6626
chris.meyer@enbridge.com
www.enbridgegas.com