My local utility is Wisconsin Public Service. They supply both electricity and natural gas to this area. If there are problems with insuring delivery of electricity, then similar problems must exist relative to natural gas. Does anyone know how the two are related, and whether we could still expect to have natural gas service if the electricity went out? Thanks in advance, you've all been of great help already.

-- Anonymous, September 05, 1998

Answers

Natural gas transmission is similar to power transmission, but not as critical as power in terms of real-time response. The major Y2k concern for Gas system is with Pipeline SCADA systems and their associated application functions. Every specific length of a pipeline is monitored by microprocessor based Remote Terminal Units which transmits and receives digital data including date/ time from a Central Control Center. Y2k remediation is similar to that of electric transmission SCADA systems. Hence the same risk factors apply to Gas systems also. As far as an utility's priority is concerned, a gas pipeline that feeds a cogeneration plant takes higher precedence than household supply.

-- Anonymous, September 08, 1998

Gas systems have the advantage of product storage in the pipes vs. electricity production in real time on demand -- no storage.

This said all of Florida south of Tallhassee experiences a gas outage about three weeks ago due to a lightning strike in a compressor station cutting three major pipelines. Residential uses took priority over industrial uses and gas fired generation was ordered shut down for more than a day.

-- Anonymous, September 09, 1998