NEWPORT, Rhode Island (AP) — National Grid has suspended service to roughly 7,100 natural gas customers on Aquidneck Island because of an issue from its supplier that caused low pressure outages across Newport and Middletown.
The City of Newport reported the outages, including 6,800, in Newport on its Facebook page late Monday night. It also announced that Gov. Gina Raimondo declared a state of emergency for Newport County. Temperatures were about 9 degrees early Tuesday.
National Grid said in a statement on its website that it had multiple teams on the ground assessing the situation, adding that “this restoration process may be a multi-day event for those impacted.”
“The safety of our customers and the communities we serve is our number one priority and concern, and National Grid is working around-the-clock to safely and reliably restore service,” said Tim Horan, President, National Grid Rhode Island. “The extreme cold is a major concern for us and we apologize for this significant disruption. We encourage all to check on the elderly and your neighbors and ensure you have a plan to stay warm,” Horan added.
Raimondo urged residents without heat to leave their homes. A warming center has been opened at Gaudet Middle School, Middletown.
The utility says it will reimburse room costs for customers in need of lodging.
