Dear DMU Propane Customer,

10-25-2023

Dear Durango Mountain Utilities Propane customer:

Propane inventory in the country plays a significant role affecting the commodity rate charged by our vendors. The volatility of the United States propane inventory is subject to many unforeseen factors, including weather and export demands. DMU monitors propane prices from different suppliers while managing inventory to ensure a cost-effective supply is in place for our customers. DMU would like to offer some tips to help the homeowner Manage their monthly expenses:

● Lower your thermostat to 68 degrees during the day and 58 degrees when you are away from home.

● Make sure that a path is cleared to your propane meter and it is free from obstruction. This causes a Safety hazard when reading and your monthly reading will be averaged if personnel can’t get to the meter.

● Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees or set your temperature dial to normal or medium. Water heating accounts for as much as 25 percent of the energy consumed in your home.

● Propane fireplaces are a good way to keep warm but always turn down or off when not in use.

● Heated floors in the garage are one way to use additional propane; make sure they are monitored or turned off when not needed.

● If you rent out your home while not staying there make sure you communicate the extra expense in propane to your property managers. Understanding the price increases will help to lower utility cost.

Public Awareness Message Propane Gas Systems

1. PURPOSE AND RELIABILITY OF THE PROPANE PIPELINE

The propane pipeline system at Purgatory Resort is owned, operated, and maintained by Durango Mountain Utilities. (DMU) The pipeline system is designed to distribute propane to the Purgatory Resort complex and residents in the surrounding area. The DMU system runs underground from five storage tanks located in and around the resort complex.

2. OVERVIEW OF THE HAZARDS OF THE PIPELINE AND PREVENTION MEASURES USED

Propane is a potentially harmful substance. Damage to pipelines from corrosion, outside forces, vandalism, or improper operations may result in a leak which could pose a hazard to the surrounding area.

The DMU propane system is leak-surveyed periodically as a part of the maintenance program. All main valves are inspected regularly to ensure they are operable. The propane system is patrolled on a routine basis to ensure that hazardous conditions such as atmospheric corrosion, improper care of discontinued services and exterior customer lines, inadequate support of meters and pipeline components, etc. are noted and corrected. Potentially hazardous conditions on customer-owned lines and equipment are referred to the property owners for correction, when discovered. There is a cathodic protection system that protects the steel pipe in the system from corroding, and this system is also monitored regularly to ensure its effectiveness.

3. INFORMATION ABOUT DAMAGE PREVENTION

All pipeline systems are susceptible to damage from outside forces such as those caused by excavation, vehicular traffic, or excessive loads placed on meter assemblies. The main source of excessive loads on meters at Purgatory is snow and ice. Snow and ice buildup on customer-owned above ground equipment, such as risers, pipes, regulators, and valves can cause excessive loads on these components which can lead to dangerous leaks or equipment failures. Please keep the meter and all associated equipment always clear of snow and ice. It is important to ensure that snow is removed regularly from roofs or decks above the propane service to avoid the potential for the roof or deck to collapse and damage propane equipment.

The greatest risk to underground propane pipelines is damage caused during excavation. Even a minor impact with the pipeline could cause a dent or damage to its coating, resulting in a leak. Please Call 811 before digging or visit http://colorado811.com.

If access is restricted to main valves and meters severe consequences could occur during an emergency. Do not park vehicles near propane meters or pipelines that are not protected by barriers. Do not remove meter supports or place heavy items on top of meter set assemblies. Do not allow snow and ice to build up on or around meter set assemblies or meter sheds.

Please notify DMU of propane meters that are vulnerable to vehicular damage or in need of support. Residents should also notify DMU of any other potential hazards they notice.

4. HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND RESPOND TO A LEAK

Odor: Propane is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and non-toxic. An additive (Mercaptan) in the propane gives it a distinctive odor (like rotting eggs or sulfur).

Vegetation: Propane leaking from an underground pipeline can destroy vegetation by starving the roots of air and water. An unusual dry patch of vegetation, within an otherwise green area, could indicate a below ground propane leak.

Sound: A blowing or hissing sound could indicate the presence of a propane leak.

Fungus-like growth: Propane leaks in valve boxes, manholes, etc. may develop a fungus-like growth that is white in color.

In the event of a suspected leak, do not light items such as matches or cigarettes, or use any device that may generate a spark such as electrical switches, telephones (cell and landline phones), doorbells, automobiles, or other engines, etc. Extinguish all flames, evacuate the building to a safe distance, and turn off propane if feasible. To report a propane leak, call 970-385-2211 Option 2 and report the situation and the location of the leak. Do not make the phone call from the area where the propane leak is present.

5. HOW TO GET ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information, contact DMU at 970-385-2145.

Durango Mountain utilities will continue to monitor the ever changing propane prices and will continue to look for ways to help keep cost down.

Thank You,

Tim Ward DMU Business Manager