We are receiving multiple complaints of the “rotten egg smell” associated with natural gas, in City Central areas. Although the smell of mercaptan is strong, there is no health and safety risk to the public or our workers. The increased smell is due to an equipment failure, which resulted in excess odourant being injected into the gas lines.

Natural gas is odourless, so before natural gas is delivered to your home, mercaptan is added to it, which gives the gas a sulphur or “rotten egg” smell to help detect leaks. The equipment failure occurred at a regulating station where mercaptan is injected into the natural gas.  Our certified technicians have shut off the odourant tanks and will work with the equipment vendor to repair the issue.

We take natural gas safety very seriously, and encourage the public to continue to report suspected natural gas leaks to their service provider. Our certified technicians will continue to investigate every complaint we receive. In Central Kingston, contact Utilities Kingston at 613-546-1181, extension 2151.  (Outside of our service area, please call Enbridge Gas at  1-866-763-5427.)

If you suspect a gas leak 

Inside

• Evacuate your premises.
• Don't do anything that could create a spark – don’t switch a light on or off, and don’t use cell phones or lighters, for example.
• Call Utilities Kingston immediately from outside your home or building at 613-546-1181, extension 2151. (Outside of our natural gas service area, please call Enbridge Gas at  1-866-763-5427.)
• Don’t use lighters or matches, and don’t smoke.

Outside

• Call Utilities Kingston immediately at 613-546-1181, extension 2151.
• Keep clear of the area.
• Don’t start any motors or motor vehicles near the area of the suspected gas leak.
• Don’t use lighters or matches and do not smoke.

Learn more about natural gas leaks and odours.