Exhibits offer important tips on natural gas safety and energy efficiency

Monday-August-31-2015

​MINNEAPOLIS - August 31, 2015 -. For more than 40 years, CenterPoint Energy has been a proud supporter of the Minnesota State Fair and the company invites the public to join employees and learn about natural gas safety and energy efficiency. CenterPoint Energy will have an exhibit in the Eco Experience area, which is filled with hands-on activities, demonstrations and resources.

In this year's Eco Experience, CenterPoint Energy will be displaying high efficiency natural gas equipment along with an "orphaned" water heater to show attendees what can happen when a furnace is replaced without also replacing the existing water heater.

"We want to help fairgoers understand the potential hazards of an orphaned water heater, including carbon monoxide dangers, so they can protect their families," said Amber Viehauser, Product Manager for CenterPoint Energy. "Frequently, when a new heating system is installed, it will no longer use the same exhaust pipe that the water heater used leaving it as the only appliance using the flue pipe. This is called an "orphaned" water heater and because water heaters are relatively small appliances, they sometimes don't have enough draw to get the exhaust gas up the flue and out of the house."

Additionally, a Home Service Plus natural gas vehicle (NGV)​ will be located at the entrance of the Eco Experience to give visitors the opportunity to learn about the benefits of NGVs, including reduced fuel costs, and emissions.

CenterPoint Energy can also be found at the Blue Flame Lodge where attendees can:
  • ​ Learn about the benefits of natural gas through videos, appliance displays and other informational pieces,
  • ​Cool down in the air conditioned lodge and learn about how to stay safe around natural gas pipelines,
  • Receive sun screen, lip balm and Buddy Blue Flame temporary tattoos, and
  • Receive the popular Gopher State One Call colored yard sticks that demonstrate the required two-foot tolerance zone that must be maintained for safe.

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