Choosing the right energy mix for your home should be included in those preparations, along with consideration for safe energy practices during tough times. One of the best parts about natural gas is that it is delivered underground directly to your home, making it extremely dependable – especially during a storm. It’s why so many essential services like hospitals, nursing homes and fire stations rely on natural gas to keep their power on, cooking for the kitchen, and water heating.

The security of having a plan can also help you navigate the unpredictability of storm season when emotions are running high. Don’t wait until a hurricane strikes to formulate a plan; explore the potential for natural gas at your home now, as piping and service installation can take time. Not only will you thank yourself as you rest easier during hurricane season, but your wallet will thank you as well, as the average homeowner saves up to 30% on their utility bills each month after converting from all electric to an energy mix that includes natural gas appliances.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, consumers in the path of a hurricane or tropical storm should have an evacuation plan and secure their homes from all loose items that could cause damage. LANGD customers are advised to leave their service on during a severe storm or hurricane. That way, even if you lose electric service, you can still cook a warm meal and have hot water. Our distribution system is designed to withstand extreme weather so that your service can remain uninterrupted, and your family stays safe, even during the harshest of storms.

Most natural gas appliances continue to operate when the power goes out, and some even have safety valves that shut off the gas flow automatically if the pilot light extinguishes. Still, the LANGD team wants to emphasize that only authorized utility or emergency personnel should turn your meter valve on or off. We also warn against attempting to operate any natural gas appliances that may have been damaged or flooded.

Even if you’re not expected to be hit by the eye of a storm, high winds and long stretches of rain may impact your neighborhood’s utilities or cause damage to your home. Remember, call 811 before digging around your home, repairing fences, or removing fallen trees to avoid further damage or injury.

Be sure to also have plenty of flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, water, vital medications and a first aid kit handy. Hopefully, our communities and customers will have some peace of mind as they prepare for hurricane season, knowing they have made a reliable energy choice no matter what Mother Nature may throw their way.

Are you ready to make the safe choice and switch to reliable natural gas before hurricane season? We’re ready to have you as a customer. For more information on natural gas service for your home, business or vehicle, please get in touch with the District marketing team at (407) 656-2734 x307, marketing@langd.org or visit www.langd.org.

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Safety is a vital aspect to natural gas distribution and LANGD utility workers provide essential technical support for safely maintaining our communities’ gas systems. You might have noticed them in your neighborhood performing leak surveys, responding to service calls, or installing and repairing all types of gas mains, pipes and service lines.

As your local natural gas utility, we take the responsibility of safely delivering natural gas very seriously. Our employees and utility workers are trained extensively to supply energy to your homes, businesses and vehicles. In 2022, the District even partnered with local fire departments in Clermont and Apopka to donate smoke and CO2 detectors to help keep our communities alert and safe.

These commitments to supporting our customers are nationally recognized as LANGD remains an active recipient of the American Public Gas Association’s (APGA) highest honor – the Gold System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) Award – for excellence in employee safety, workforce development, system integrity and improvements. We were also awarded the APGA Safety Award for the 11^th straight year in 2022 and we intend to maintain these honors!

Our team also prides itself on fully complying with state and federal natural gas pipeline safety rules regulated by the Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) and receiving another excellent inspection report without incident this year. 

Since the date of recognition falls on a Saturday this year, we’re celebrating our field workers a day early with a company-wide barbecue lunch on March 17. Nothing changes in a day, especially not for an entire industry, but the hard work and dedication that our natural gas utility workers put in every day, 365 days a year, make these safety goals a reality. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating our essential natural gas utility workers on March 18^th and every day!  

If you would like to highlight a positive experience you’ve had with one of our natural gas utility workers, we encourage you to do so by commenting on our Facebook (Facebook.com/LANGDFL) and LinkedIn (LinkedIn.com/company/Lake-Apopka-Natural-Gas-District), or by reaching out to us directly at custsvc@langd.org.

Think that natural gas is the right energy mix for your home, business or vehicle? Get connected with the District marketing team at (407) 656-2737 x307, marketing@langd.org, or visit www.langd.org for more information.

The post Celebrating Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day (March 18) appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

In the spirit of giving thanks, we are grateful to have been honored with multiple awards this year that highlights our dedication to the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas. In 2022, we were awarded the American Public Gas Association (APGA) Safety Award for the 11^th straight year, received the Geographic Information System (GIS) Gas Hero Award, the Special Achievement in GIS Award, and were found fully compliant with state and federal natural gas pipeline safety rules by the Florida Public Service Commission for the sixth year in a row. We were also the fourth-fastest growing municipally owned natural gas system in Florida and, in the last five years, we have grown by an amazing 38.5%.

We’re also proud to boast our highest-ever distinction – the APGA Gold System Overall Achievement Recognition (SOAR) Award – which recognizes excellence in the public operation and distribution of natural gas.

At LANGD, we don’t just take pride in our outstanding service – we also want to give back to the community that is our home. LANGD’s Helping Hand fund has helped us do just that. Continuing this partnership with Heart of Florida United Way, we have assisted over 65 customers in getting their gas turned back on and provided over $12,000 to customers who need it most. We welcome all employees, vendors, customers, and other community members to donate to the fund. To learn more, visit www.langd.org.

We understand that saving money is at the top of everyone’s wish list this holiday season. Did you know natural gas is twice as efficient as electricity and cheaper as a result? In fact, U.S. consumers save an average of more than $800 on energy bills each year by making the switch to natural gas. Think of all the extra gifts you could buy with those savings!

In addition to its cost-saving capabilities, natural gas also comes with several other benefits. By heating your water with a tankless water heater, for example, you can boost your energy efficiency by as much as 22%, according to Consumer Reports. Beyond heating comforts, items like natural gas fireplaces and outdoor gas lights make for a warm and inviting ambiance that everyone will enjoy – not just during the holidays, but year round.

Are you ready to make the switch to enjoy natural gas – the gift that keeps on giving? For more information on natural gas service for your home, business or vehicle, please contact the LANGD marketing team at (407) 656-2734 x307 or marketing@langd.org, or visit www.langd.org. Be sure to “like,” “follow” and “share” LANGD’s content on Facebook.

The post Looking Back and Giving Thanks – Happy Holidays! appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

At Lake Apopka Natural Gas District (LANGD), we want our customers in Apopka, Clermont, Winter Garden and beyond to know they should never have to face these struggles alone. That’s why, in partnership with Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW), we launched LANGD’S Helping Hand in summer 2021, our first-ever customer assistance program for residential customers struggling to pay their gas bills.

LANGD’s board of directors unanimously voted to kickstart the program with a $5,000 investment last summer and, since then, many community members, vendors and even fellow District customers have pitched in to lend a helping hand to those who need it.

In just one year, LANGD has supported 18 residential customers in need and distributed nearly $4,300.00. As a result of the program’s success, and to keep it sustainable for years to come, the LANGD board generously approved another $5,000 investment during its May meeting.  

LANGD’s Helping Hand is a true testament to the culture at LANGD. Whether it’s volunteering time to sponsor a table at community events, or donating money or non-perishable goods to local fundraisers, our employees never shy away from the opportunity to help their neighbors in need.

LANGD is committed to our customers through both the good and the bad times. If you, or someone you know, is a LANGD residential customer with a past due account and meet the criteria below, you may qualify for financial assistance with your gas utility bill.

LANGD’S Helping Hand Program Criteria

• Must be a Lake Apopka Natural Gas District residential customer
• Must be a customer of record or authorized on the account
• Not involved in criminal activity related to tampering
• Assistance is limited to twice per year or up to $350 per household in a 12-month period. Customers must provide:
  • Name and contact information
  • Lake Apopka Natural Gas District account number
  • Copy of most recent bill

For more information on how to apply for LANGD’s Helping Hand, contact LANGD’s Customer Service Department at (407) 656-2734. If you are interested in donating to the fund, please contact Deborah Johnson at (407) 656-0200 or donate online at https://bit.ly/3HorN7H.

Interested in learning more about natural gas? For more information on natural gas service for your home, business or vehicle, please contact The District marketing team at (407) 656-2734 x307, marketing@langd.org, or visit www.langd.org. Please be sure to like, follow and re-share LANGD’s content on Facebook at @LANGDFL.

The post Lake Apopka Natural Gas District Lends A Helping Hand To The Community appeared first on South Lake Tablet.