Residents starting to consider alternatives to gas in Merrimack Valley

The gas explosions and fires in the Merrimack Valley almost two weeks ago impacted thousands of people in multiple communities, and now residents are reconsidering how they heat their homes.

Electricians have been answering calls from people in Andover, Lawrence and North Andover who are interested in alternatives to gas, but the switch could be an expensive one.

Some residents say they're not waiting for gas to be restored, and are looking at alternate methods in the meantime for their homes.

The work to replace a 48-mile pipeline by Columbia Gas has begun with a target date of completion on Nov. 19. The town of North Andover said in a Facebook post that there would be venting of the gas system throughout Tuesday, to ensure "any residual gas is removed from the natural gas lines prior to crews beginning work." That work was postponed until Wednesday due to weather.

"I've been doing a lot of quotes, trying to get people switched over," electrician Matt Reynolds said. "I've had a significant increase in customers calling me."

For nearly two weeks, Reynolds has been juggling a now-booming business, ever since people began wanting to make the change after the explosions and fires in the Merrimack Valley.

"A lot of my customers were just nervous of having the gas in the house," Reynolds said. "They want to get rid of the gas and go to the electric stoves."

Even those who weren't affected are trying to make the switch, with others frustrated by the weeks of cold showers and takeout meals they've dealt with while Columbia Gas works to restore 48 miles of gas lines.

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Reynolds says installing a new range outlet could cost just a few hundred dollars, while setting up baseboard heaters could cost a few thousands.

No matter the money, Reynolds said some customers are saying it's worth any price.

"I know that switching to electric is gonna be a lot quicker than waiting," Reynolds said.

NOTE: A dedicated hotline has been set up in the Attorney General's office for questions and legal resources. This is meant to protect people from home improvement scam and to help customers go through the claims process with Columbia Gas. That number is (617) 573-5370.

Cox Media Group