Pipeline explosion in Canada could affect gas supply in N. Dakota
Pipeline explosion: North Dakota's governor is monitoring the supply of natural gas in his state, following a weekend gas pipeline explosion in the Canadian province of Manitoba.
This photo provided by Royal Canadian Mounted Police shows a natural gas pipeline fire on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014 near Winnipeg. TransCanada says it has shut down the Emerson Lateral portion of the Canadian Mainline natural gas pipeline system and is venting the gas.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police via The Canadian Press/AP
Bismarck, N.D.
Gov. Jack Dalrymple says state agencies are monitoring natural gas supplies in eastern North Dakota.
Xcel Energy is asking customers in North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin to conserve natural gas after a Saturday pipeline explosion in Manitoba.
Dalrymple says state officials are working with local officials, health care providers and utilities in eastern North Dakota on contingency plans should there be heat shortages. He says the National Guard and Highway Patrol are ready to respond if needed.
Xcel says one of three pipelines that have been out of service is being returned to service and should reach full capacity by Monday afternoon. But spokesman Kent Larson says things won't be back to normal until the gas is delivered to the region, and demand remains high due to subzero temperatures.