DENVER – Black Hills Energy crew continued to shut down gas service to about 500,500,000 customers Monday afternoon, but three of their sites were vandalized over the weekend, and Pitkin County officials said those customers in the Aspen area would be without heat and hot water. . At least until Tuesday morning.
One site that was vandalized Saturday night was in Aspen City and the other two were in Pitkin County. Officials from both the county and the city said Monday afternoon that a criminal investigation is underway.
The sabotage was noted Saturday evening after customers reported losing gas pressure, and as investigations continued Sunday, Black Hills Energy discovered more issues with gas lines and began shutting down meters for affected customers.
Vance Crocker, vice president of operations at Black Hills Energy, said Monday afternoon that the crew hoped to shut down the entire system by early Monday evening, and that the crew would then go around each of the customer locations to make sure the lines were confirmed. Is pure and can be resumed hopefully and safely by 11pm on Monday night. It plans to employ about 100 workers from across the state to restore the Black Hills energy outage.
“We must first make sure that all gas meters are turned off, then clean the system so that it is ready for the restoration of the natural gas supply. Ultimately, our technologies will go door-to-door to relieve every customer’s gas appliances, ”Crocker said in a statement.
The Black Hills Energy crew will begin relieving people with pilot lights and other gas-powered appliances at 1 a.m. Tuesday, county officials said. They ask if anyone will try to relax on their own devices. People with non-emergency questions can call 888-890-5554.
According to FDI’s Bill Lynn, the FBI has been asked to assist in the investigation because it involves critical utility infrastructure, and the investigation is being conducted by the Spanish police.
Lynne said the demolition took place at the same time on Saturday and involved the demolition of closed gas lines and that two of the three sites were open and not inside the building.
One site had the name of a group called Earth First, but officials on Monday declined to give details on whether there was any connection to the sabotage of that name. He said he did not believe the sabotage would qualify as terrorism.
Joe Desalvo, a spokesman for the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, said the word “attack” has been thrown around a lot. “It’s not a word I can use. The attack was aimed at disrupting gas service in and around Aspen. “
Officials said physical evidence, including footprints, was found in all three scenes.
The offenses under investigation include endangering public utility, burglary and criminal tampering, Linn said.
A tip line has been set up for investigation at 970-924-0614. Desalvo said the county jail is powered by electric heating.
Lynn said a limited number of space heaters provided by Black Hills Energy are available for pickup at the Aspen Police Headquarters on up4040 East Main Street. They left at 6:30 pm but said there were about 3,600 lanes.
The city is asking people to park north of Main Street or in the parking lot in front of the Concept 600 building. Heaters will be placed inside for non-contact distribution to those who pull open their passenger windows.
People who are unable to come to the police station can request one by calling 970-920-5310 and an officer will bring one to them as soon as possible.
Pitkin County and the city of Aspen will host a community meeting on Monday at 6 p.m. on Zoom, which you can participate by clicking here.
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