Stinky mailbox? PSE sends smell-infused bills

Natural Gas



SEATTLE -- Puget Sound Energy announced that customers will be receiving something smelly in the mail now through October.

Bills sent to the more than 1.5 million homes and businesses will include a scratch and sniff portion to help identify natural gas leaks. PSE said that the insert smells like rotten eggs, similar to the odor added to natural gas, which is actually odorless and colorless.

PSE said a possible natural gas leak may be indicated by a hissing sound, blowing dirt or bubbles in a puddle. In the event that a natural gas odor is detected outside a home or building, the company urges everyone to evacuate immediately and not switch off any lights or appliances, or use cell or landline phones. PSE also strongly recommends that anything that may light a spark like matches or cigarettes should not be used.

Natural gas leaks should be reported by calling 911 or PSE's 24-hour emergency hotline at 1-888-225-5773. For more information on PSE, log onto the company's website at www.pse.com.