As people shovel snow from their sidewalks and driveways after the big storm, PPL Gas Utilities reminds its customers to dig out around their meters as well to help ensure reliability of their natural gas service.

Snow and ice could obstruct proper operation of gas equipment, said C. Earl Kinter, director of Customer Service for PPL Gas Utilities.

"The snow was deep enough in many parts of our service area to cover gas meters and pressure control regulators that are sometimes found with meters," he said. "If snow or ice blocks the regulator, customers may find themselves without gas service."

To avoid that problem, Kinter said, people should clear snow from around gas metering equipment as soon as possible. He also suggested that people check with elderly relatives and neighbors to make sure their gas metering equipment is not covered with snow.

Clearing snow from around the meter also helps PPL Gas Utilities meter readers do their jobs and minimizes the number of bills that are sent out based on estimates of natural gas use.

PPL Gas Utilities customers may report problems with natural gas service 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-652-0550 toll free.

PPL Gas Utilities serves 75,000 customers in 34 counties of Pennsylvania and a small area in western Maryland.