UPDATE: Officials Ask Schools to Close, Industries to Stop Production Due to Emergency Gas Shortage

BY: DAVID SHEPHERD, NEWS DIRECTOR

AREA WIDE -- The situation in Texas is improving a bit but, Jasper Mayor Dean Vonderheide says, we still have a long way to go.

In a daily update Wednesday, the mayor said a number of natural gas plants are still offline.  Others are slowly getting back online, however, Vonderheide says, it’s not happening fast enough.

The city’s gas utility consultant urges residents to limit natural gas usage through the weekend.

They ask thermostats be set below 68 degrees.  They want schools to shut down and commercial and industrial businesses stop production immediately.

"It is a unique situation. We're kind of getting used to unique situations," Vonderheide said in a press conference Tuesday. "It's important because it does have a direct impact on the availability of gas, which is vital to our healthcare facilities."

CenterPointe Energy, which is based in Texas, is the main supplier of natural gas to Dubois and surrounding counties, including Daviess, Gibson, Knox, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick Counties.

CenterPointe is also recommending you leave your blinds open to let sunlight into your house. That will help heat your home during the day.