Reporting Gas Odors and Emergencies
Anytime you suspect a natural gas leak, you should react like it’s an emergency. Although rare, natural gas leaks can be dangerous and result in an explosion.
There is no charge for a leak investigation.
Recognize
- Do you smell an unusual odor, like a rotten egg?
- Do you hear blowing or hissing?
- Do you see unexplained dead or dying vegetation?
- Do you see bubbles coming from the ground - land or water?
Respond
- Do not try to find or repair the leak.
- Leave the area immediately and keep others away until Alliant Energy allows you to return.
- Do not start vehicles, turn on lights, or use telephones.
- Call 1-800-Alliant (800-255-4268) from a remote location.
- If you can hear gas hissing or blowing, call 911.
Natural gas is colorless and odorless.
Alliant Energy and other utilities add Mercaptan to natural gas to give it a distinctive pungent odor. This allows customers to detect even the smallest leak. 
Alliant Energy periodically sends its customers a special Scratch N Sniff paper in their bill. This specific piece of paper is specially made to smell like the natural gas you would find in a home or business. If you would like to order a copy of this piece of paper, call the Alliant Energy Customer Service Center at 1-800-Alliant (800-255-4268).