Energy Watch Update

Current System Status: Green / Stable.

The natural gas system is operating normally. No additional conservation actions are requested at this time.

During periods of extreme cold, demand for natural gas increases as homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and power generators all use more energy at the same time.

Energy Watch provides current information during a natural gas supply or delivery event and, when necessary, actions customers can take to help reduce demand and support reliable service. For everyday energy-saving practices, visit our Energy Conservation page.

Safety Comes First

Take conservation steps only when they are safe for the people and property in your care.

Never turn your heat completely off during winter.
Never set your home thermostat below 55°F, even if you’re away. Maintain enough heat in garages and other spaces to protect plumbing and equipment.
Keep natural gas meters and appliance vents free of snow and ice.
If you smell natural gas, leave the area immediately and call ENSTAR from a safe location at 1-844-SMELL GAS (1-844-763-5542).

How to Conserve Safely

Many Alaskans already conserve. If your thermostat is below the setting listed for the current Energy Watch level and safely meets your household’s needs, do not raise it to match that setting.

Homes and businesses have different heating and plumbing arrangements. Take conservation steps only when they are safe for the people and property in your care. Pipes, water heaters, well pressure tanks and other equipment in garages, crawl spaces or other colder areas may need additional freeze protection. A thermostat setting alone does not guarantee that these areas will stay above freezing.

Before changing water heater controls, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consider whether the adjustment could put your equipment at risk of freezing. If you are unsure, consult a qualified plumbing or heating professional and focus on other conservation actions you can safely take.

Never block combustion-air openings (openings that supply air for fuel-burning appliances), appliance exhaust vents, or required ventilation. These openings are necessary for safe equipment operation.

When ENSTAR requests conservation, reducing unnecessary natural gas and electricity use helps lower regional demand and support reliable service for homes, businesses and essential facilities, including neighbors who are especially vulnerable to a loss of heat.

During Yellow (Caution)

Follow these actions when ENSTAR issues a Yellow notice. During the highest-use periods, early morning and late afternoon or evening, consider these steps if you can safely take them:

Lower thermostats to 65°F in living areas and 40°F in garages where safe. Maintain a higher setting if needed to protect people, plumbing, or equipment. If your existing setting is lower and safe, do not raise it to match these temperatures.
Lower your water heater setting to Warm or Vacation if appropriate.
Postpone laundry and dishwashing when possible. When you run these appliances, use full loads.
Limit use of natural gas cooking appliances when practical.
Reducing unnecessary electricity use also helps reduce demand for natural gas used by regional power generators.

During Red (Alert)

If ENSTAR issues a Red Alert, additional conservation is requested until system conditions improve. If you can safely do so:

Lower thermostats to approximately 60°F while home.
If you’re away, set your thermostat to 55°F, but not below. Some homes may require a higher setting to protect plumbing and equipment in colder areas.
Only if your water heater has a Pilot setting, the manufacturer’s instructions allow its use, and you can make the change safely without risking frozen equipment, turn the control to Pilot.
Do not use natural gas fireplaces, decorative heaters, or gas grills.
Consolidate household activities into fewer heated rooms whenever practical.
Delay non-essential hot water use until demand decreases.

Every household that safely conserves helps reduce demand across the region during the highest-use periods.

About Energy Watch

Understanding the Status Levels

Green / Stable: The natural gas system is operating normally. No additional conservation actions are required. Everyday energy efficiency and routine home maintenance are encouraged.
Yellow / Caution: ENSTAR is requesting voluntary conservation to reduce demand on the natural gas system. Follow the Yellow actions below when you can do so safely.
Red / Alert: ENSTAR is requesting additional conservation to help support reliable natural gas service. Follow the Red actions below when you can do so safely.

Why Conservation Matters During Peak Demand

Natural gas heats homes and businesses and fuels much of the electricity generation serving Southcentral Alaska. During prolonged extreme cold, conservation can reduce system demand and help preserve reliable service.

Small actions, multiplied across thousands of homes and businesses, can make a meaningful difference. When ENSTAR requests conservation, safely reducing unnecessary natural gas and electricity use helps support service for the region, including neighbors who are especially vulnerable to a loss of heat.