FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Email: john@jgpr.net
Phone: 617-993-0003

 Town of Andover Provides Update on Restoration Process Following Gas Emergency

ANDOVER — The Town of Andover continuously seeks to provide residents and business owners with key updates regarding the ongoing recovery and restoration efforts following the Merrimack Valley Gas Emergency.

Restoration Work ‘Substantially Complete’

Columbia Gas announced today that the restoration work is substantially complete, meaning that nearly all residences and businesses have heat, hot water and working gas appliances.

“This has been a long and at times very frustrating recovery for both the residents and businesses of Andover,” said Town Manager Andrew Flanagan. “I want to thank them for both their patience and resiliency throughout this process. I am pleased that this phase of the process is substantially complete and look forward to working to ensure that Columbia Gas fulfills all of its outstanding obligations to the ratepayers of Andover and Merrimack Valley moving forward.”

To read Columbia Gas’ full announcement on the completion of phase one of the recovery, click here.

A total of 48 Andover homes remain without gas service at this time, with approximately 156 total residential customers remaining without gas in Andover, North Andover and Lawrence. Of the Andover homes without service, all are completing the self-mitigation process.

Columbia Gas releases a daily briefing with updates on the progress of the restoration effort. Click here to read the briefing for Dec. 12.

Property Replacement and Claims

Hot water heaters, stoves and dryers will be replaced and boilers and furnaces will be safely repaired or replaced with those being repaired eventually being replaced beginning in the spring.

Columbia Gas has received nearly 5,000 claims from Andover residents and business owners and has paid out over $22.4 million to Andover gas customers so far.

If any resident or business owner in the affected area experiences frozen pipes, they are urged to call the Columbia Gas emergency hotline at 800-525-8222.

Free Parking Downtown

The Town of Andover will not collect parking fees at municipal parking lots through Dec. 30. The Town encourages downtown visitors to park in the municipal parking lots. This includes Lot 1 (between Andover Village Square and Caffé Nero), Lot 2 (behind Old Town Hall) and Lot 3 (Park Street Village).

Appliance Disposal

The disposal of condemned or replaced appliances is part of the recovery and restoration process. Your appliances will be removed and picked up by Columbia Gas or its contractors. Residents and business owners should not endure any cost for disposing of appliances.

Information for Landlords and Tenants

Attorney General Maura Healey’s office has released information for landlords and tenants affected by the Merrimack Valley Gas Emergency, which can be viewed in full here.

Alternative Housing 

Andover residents still have the option to seek free alternative housing while their gas service remains offline. Housing options include apartments, hotels and temporary trailers, and are completely paid for by Columbia Gas.

As of Wednesday, 15 Andover families are being lodged in alternate housing arrangements, including apartments and hotels. As customers’ service is restored, Columbia Gas is demobilizing trailer parks

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