Rock Energy Cooperative operates about 180 miles of natural gas pipeline in northern Illinois with nearly 9,000 services. Our distribution system is regularly monitored and inspected for corrosion and leaks to ensure safe and reliable service. Please review this safety information so you can learn how to recognize a natural gas emergency and take the appropriate action if an accident occurs.

How to recognize a gas leak:

• SOUND: An unusual hissing, roaring, or whistling sound along a natural gas line or coming from an appliance might signify a leak.

• SMELL: Gas providers add a chemical that makes natural gas smell like rotten eggs so any leaks can be easily detected.

• SIGHT: Unexplained dead grass, bubbling water, and blowing dirt near a meter or along the pipeline route are signs of a leak.

What should I do if I suspect a leak?

If you suspect that natural gas (or any combustible gas) is present, do not do anything that’ll cause a spark. Natural gas is ignitable, and the tiniest spark can trigger an explosion. In this case:

• Please do not touch any electrical switches (do not turn them on or off).

• Do not use any electrical appliances or devices, including doorbells, garage door openers, telephones, elevators; do not even use your cell phone near a suspected leak).

• Do not light a match. Please stay away from any ignition sources or open flames (do not attempt to blow it out).

• Do not start any motor vehicle engines or electrical equipment.

• Do not attempt to repair a gas leak.

NOTE: Rock Energy provides natural gas to your home or business, but does not have a service department that repairs malfunctioning appliances.

Leave the building/area immediately. Go to a safe place, outside the smell of gas (certainly not downwind of it).

Do not use a phone until you’re safely away from the suspected leak. Then call Rock Energy Cooperative at 866-752-4550 or contact your gas provider.

CARBON MONOXIDE EMERGENCIES: Please do NOT contact Rock Energy as the initial responder to a carbon monoxide emergency. Instead of contacting Rock Energy, you should contact first responders if faced with a carbon monoxide emergency, especially if medical attention is needed. In cases when Rock Energy is contacted by a member for a carbon monoxide emergency, they are referred to local emergency responders. If a member insists that Rock Energy responds, a gas technician will be dispatched, but a fee will be incurred by the member.