Whittier-Area Gas Service Update

August 16, 2026, 8:30 PM Update 

NOTICE OF PIPELINE SHUT-OFF AFFECTING WHITTIER CUSTOMERS 

Since the initial report on August 9th, ENSTAR has been closely monitoring a section of an 8” natural gas pipeline serving Whitter.  The portion of the pipeline that crosses the Twentymile River further deteriorated this evening around 8 pm, requiring immediate action to shut off the flow of gas.  

ENSTAR service technicians are enroute to Whittier to begin turning off meters tonight (August 16).  This is a standard procedure in response to this type of situation.  

We continue to work to secure emergency gas for Whittier until the pipeline is fully repaired.  At this point we expect the outage to last until September 5.  Whittier customers should be prepared to be without natural gas-fueled appliances until that time.   

We will continue to update customers as more information becomes available. 

Whittier customers may call ENSTAR at 907-334-7770 with questions. 

***

August 10, 2026

Important Natural Gas Service Update for Whittier-Area Customers 

ENSTAR is closely monitoring a section of the natural gas pipeline near the Twentymile River that serves customers east of the river, including Whittier. Our Engineering and Operations teams have confirmed a break in the submerged portion of the pipeline and are actively evaluating repair options. 

Natural gas service remains available at this time. However, conditions at the river could change, and service may need to be temporarily interrupted while repairs are completed. We are in the process of securing LNG that will be trucked from Fairbanks and regasified into the system to serve Whittier customers. Service may be interrupted periodically as we work to repair the line over the next 30-45 days. We will do our best to anticipate these outages and proactively communicate with Whittier residents

If service is interrupted, natural gas appliances will not operate, including furnaces, water heaters, clothes dryers, stoves, ovens, and fireplaces. 

What you can do now 

Customers are encouraged to prepare in case natural gas service is temporarily unavailable: 

• Identify a safe, warm place to stay if your home cannot maintain a safe temperature. Keep warm clothing, blankets, medications, food, pet supplies and other essentials available. 

• Make alternate plans if someone in your household has medical or accessibility needs that could be affected by a loss of heat or hot water. 

• Make sure your contact information with ENSTAR is current to receive important updates. 

ENSTAR is preparing the temporary LNG supply and developing a permanent repair for the affected pipeline. The repair will require construction of a new bore crossing beneath the Twentymile River and is expected to take approximately 30-45 days.

If you smell a sustained odor of natural gas or suspect a gas leak, leave the area immediately and call 1-844-SMELL GAS (1-844-763-5542) from a safe location. 

We appreciate your patience as our crews work to address this situation safely. 

View our official announcement here. 

Updated 8/16/2026