Gas Leaks
What do I do if I detect a gas leak?
If you suspect a natural gas leak, leave the area immediately, then call us at 1-888-427-1427. Do not use any electrical devices, such as light switches, telephones, computers, appliances, or garage door openers. They could generate a spark and ignite the gas. Do not try to locate the source of the gas leak or try to shut off any gas valves or appliances. Once you have exited the building, do not re-enter the building or return to the area until a SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company technician says it's safe to do so.
If you are digging and think you may have damaged a natural gas pipeline, leave the area immediately. If you are using motorized equipment and can turn off the motor safely, do so to prevent the ignition of any leaking gas. Then, abandon the equipment and leave the area. Never restart equipment until the surrounding environment has been checked and declared safe. Click Here for more information.
MISS DIG
How do I contact MISS DIG?
If you do any activities that require digging, Michigan law requires you to call MISS DIG. Call 811 at least three working days before your project is to begin. MISS DIG will notify all utilities to mark their lines in the area. This helps avoid possible injuries or damage to natural gas and oil lines, electric, telephone, TV cable, and water or sewer pipes. Both the call and the MISS DIG service are free. Click Here for more information.
Carbon Monoxide
What do I do if my Carbon Monoxide Detector goes off?
Carbon Monoxide is poisonous. Never ignore an alarming CO detector/alarm. If the detector/alarm sounds, operate the reset button and call your emergency services (fire department or 911). Immediately move to fresh air; go outdoors, or by an open door or window. Click Here for more information.
Meter Access
SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company conducts necessary routine gas line inspection and repairs. Here are some frequently asked questions about SEMCO employees entering customers' yards to access SEMCO meters:
Do I need to be at home for SEMCO employees to access the gas meter?
No. Employees typically access the company's gas meters during the work day when many people are away from their homes. Michigan law and SEMCO's tariff, which is approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission, states that SEMCO employees can access customers' yards for any purpose directly related to the supply of gas service.
Does SEMCO need to tell customers ahead of time that they are going into their backyard?
While the tariff does not require SEMCO to give notice ahead of time, SEMCO does attempt to contact the property owner, when possible, before entering the yard to perform any work on the meter. In the case of an emergency, SEMCO may enter a yard without notice.
Is it really SEMCO’s gas meter if it's on MY property?
Yes. Section A-18.00 of SEMCO's tariff states: "Required Access—Access that is necessary to conduct any of the following: (A) Routine inspections and maintenance. (B) Meter reading of gas usage (C) Scheduled replacement, repairs, relocations, or disconnection of branch service lines or other changes with respect to service lines and meter assembly piping.
Someone came to my door claiming to be a SEMCO employee. How can I tell if this is really an employee?
All SEMCO employees are required to wear a visible SEMCO identification badge at all times. You can ask to see their company ID badge. You can also call SEMCO customer service 1 (800) 624-2019 to confirm the identity of a person claiming to be a company employee.
Do I have to secure my pet when a SEMCO employee comes to work on my property?
Please keep all dogs indoors while our crews are working on your property. We like dogs and encounter them daily, however, it is difficult to determine which dogs are friendly and which pose a threat to our employees
If you have a dog that you feel may react aggressively toward our employees, please let us know by emailing dog.safety@semcoenergy.com and we will note this for our technician. For more information go to: www.semcoenergygas.com/dog-safety/.
Who is responsible for keeping the meter and pathway clear?
It is your responsibility to exercise reasonable care to prevent damage to meters, service lines, and any other facilities located on your premises. SEMCO employees and emergency workers must have unrestricted access to the gas shut-off valve in case of a house fire, severe flooding, or other emergency.
What are my responsibilities regarding the accessibility of gas meters and other facilities on my property?
Gas meters cannot be enclosed in a garage or other type of building; under decks, fences, swimming pools or play equipment; or enclosed in any kind of construction that makes the meter inaccessible to SEMCO employees. This includes avoiding stacking any type of material, including firewood, around the meter. Bushes and trees can also restrict access for technicians. Please keep a 3-foot radius clear of obstruction.