By KRWG News
New Mexico – The New Mexico Gas Company said Tuesday 62 percent of service has been restored to Espanola and 54 percent in Taos.
Residents and business owners in the Taos and Espanola areas have been without natural gas service since last week. More winter weather is forecast Tuesday and Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Gov. Susana Martinez is sending an additional 300 National Guard troops and airmen to help restore natural gas service to thousands of residents in northern New Mexico.
The troops will be joined by 44 Albuquerque police officers and 15 state police officers.
The governor's office says the additional personnel will be trained to turn on gas meters and will be paired with a gas company technician or plumber who is licensed to relight heaters and other appliances. The crews are expected to work around the clock to restore service.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.