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Buffalo, Minn.

City of Buffalo left without natural gas service

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(AP) - Thousands of residents in Buffalo, Minneesota were left without natural gas service Thursday after problems with repair and maintenance work on gas lines, and officials said it could be two days before the service was restored.

About 200 CenterPoint Energy crews were working to restore the service, preparing to go to each home to turn gas meters back on and help re-light pilot lights, Police Chief Mitch Weinzetl said.

About 5,500 residents were affected. City officials said the gas could be out for 48 hours or more - a concern if there are significant drops in the temperature overnight. Plans were being prepared to house residents who might need a warm location for the night, such as those in nursing homes.

"Certainly, we have to be concerned about that," Weinzetl said. "But based on temperature projections, it doesn't appear that one day (without heat) would be a tremendous hardship. Homes could lose about 20 degrees over the next 24 hours and still be habitable."

CentrePoint Energy officials didn't immediately return a phone call.

Weinzetl said the city would provide updates on local cable TV and radio with tips on such things as properly operating kerosene lamps and wood fireplaces.

Buffalo is about 35 miles northwest of Minneapolis.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)