Safety

Be Aware of Scams

• Scammers claiming to be from Xcel Energy have been reported around the Front Range Circle Natural Gas Project area. They are attempting to trick our customers into paying money by indicating that this is part of the work we are doing in your area, or by threatening loss of service if you don’t comply.
• At no time will any on-site Xcel Energy employee or authorized contractor associated with the Front Range Circle Natural Gas Project need to obtain account information.
• All Xcel Energy employees and most contractors who perform work for us carry company IDs. Ask to see a company ID if someone on your property claims to be working for Xcel Energy, regardless of the work being performed. If the person cannot show you an ID, ask them to leave and return only with proper identification.
• Some contractors working on our behalf may not have Xcel Energy IDs. If you would like to verify that the contractor is authorized to work on our behalf, please call Customer Care at 800-895-4999 or visit xcelenergy.com/IdentifyingAuthorizedWorkers.

Safety overview

Public safety is at the foundation of all we do. The safety of the public around our natural gas system influences every decision we make. We take a proactive approach to public safety by implementing safety measures before, during and after construction.

This project has been designed to meet federal and state standards and safety requirements for installing, maintaining and operating natural gas infrastructure.

Staying safe around construction areas 

We are committed to maintaining a safe working environment in your community. For your safety and the safety of our crews, remember these tips:

• Watch for construction crews and equipment.
• Do not enter construction areas.
• Obey signage and directions from crews.
• Reduce speeds while traveling.
• Observe parking restrictions.
• Remain flexible as work progresses and work areas change.

Learn to recognize a natural gas leak

If you ever suspect a natural gas leak, leave your home or business immediately. Once you are safely away, call 911, then Xcel Energy at 800-895-2999.

It is important to recognize potentially dangerous natural gas leaks, so use your senses. Signs of a natural gas leak include:

• A “rotten egg” or sulfur-like odor, though it may smell differently to you.
• Hissing, whistling or roaring sounds outside near the natural gas line or inside near an appliance.
• Dirt spraying into the air or continuous bubbling in a pond or creek.
• Unexplained dead or dying vegetation.

We install natural gas line by open trenching and boring.

Call before you dig

A common cause of natural gas incidents results from improper or unauthorized digging near underground utilities. Prior to digging, call 811 or visit colorado811.org to have buried utility lines located and marked. This helps prevent dangerous conditions that result from damaging a buried line.

Natural gas construction safety 

During construction and installation of the line, we:

• Implement a corrosion prevention system designed to eliminate metal loss.
• Verify pipe welds using an independent third party.

Once the line has been installed, we:

• Internally inspect the line.
• Perform internal pressure tests to verify the line’s integrity.

During the lifetime of the natural gas line, we:

• Conduct annual hazard patrols and leak surveys and regularly inspect the line.
• Monitor (24/7) the line and other infrastructure through our staffed gas control center.