CLARKSVILLE, IN (February 7, 2023) – It has been just over a month since a strange carbon monoxide incident struck the Clarksville, Indiana area. Clarksville and New Albany firefighters responded to more than 100 calls of gas or carbon monoxide related issues on the morning of December 24, 2022. Four people were sent to the hospital and several homes and businesses had to be evacuated as a result.
Today natural gas company CenterPoint Energy issued a statement following a review of a propane air facility in Jeffersonville:
“We would like to extend our sincere apologies to those who were affected by carbon monoxide issues in their homes and businesses following the events that occurred in our natural gas service areas of Clarksville, New Albany and Jeffersonville, Ind. on Dec. 24. The safety of our customers and the communities we serve is our top priority.
While our initial indications were that there were no issues with our system, with the assistance of a third-party, we investigated whether our operations could have contributed to the reports in the three communities.
Our investigation’s findings determined that there was an incorrect mixture of gas at our facility. A disproportionate amount of propane had been added into our natural gas system and, as such, contributed to the reports of carbon monoxide in the three communities. We regret that our initial indications were incorrect and accept responsibility for the error.
We have ceased operations at our Jeffersonville propane air facility. To prevent a recurrence, the facility will remain shut down through the end of 2023 as we assess its future. Based on our review, there are no signs that any incorrect mixture remains in our system.
Customers who have concerns about the condition or operation of their natural gas appliances should contact CenterPoint Energy at indianaclaim@centerpointenergy.com or 713-207-7724 for assistance.
Our investigation was done in coordination with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), which previously announced a detailed review of our Jeffersonville propane air facility. The IURC has been apprised of our findings. CenterPoint Energy will fully cooperate and comply with any directives the IURC deems appropriate following its analysis of the event. We will continue to assess our operations and take appropriate corrective actions to prevent incidents like this in the future.
We would like to express our gratitude to the first responders and emergency personnel for their support and response to the carbon monoxide calls in Clarksville, New Albany and Jeffersonville. We would also like to thank the IURC, local and state elected officials, and the public for their patience as the investigation was completed.”
– CenterPoint Energy
After the events of December 24th, the Clarksville Town Council and state lawmakers called on the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to open an investigation into the carbon monoxide issues. Following the release of the CenterPoint Energy statement, Clarksville Town Manager Kevin Baity issued the following statement on behalf of the Town:
“The Town of Clarksville is encouraged to finally have answers for residents affected by the December 24, 2022 carbon monoxide issues in our service area. We would like to commend CenterPoint Energy for working diligently to determine the cause and to prevent it from happening again.”
“The next step in the process will be for residents to receive support for any natural gas appliances damaged because of the carbon monoxide situation on December 24th. Residents should contact CenterPoint Energy at indianaclaim@centerpointenergy.com or 713-207-7724 for assistance.”
“The Town of Clarksville will continue to work with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and CenterPoint Energy as they continue to assess their operations and take the appropriate corrective actions to guarantee the safety of our residents.”
– Kevin Baity, Clarksville Town Manager