EXCESS FLOW VALVE NOTIFICATION
Effective April 14, 2017, Interior Gas Utility (IGU) is required by the US Department of Transportation - Pipeline Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) regulation 49 CFR 192.383 to install an Excess Flow Valve (EFV) OR Manual Shut-off valve on all new or replaced gas service lines. The new regulation requires the installation of EFVs in new or replaced service lines for multi-family residences - including apartment buildings and other multi-residential dwellings and small commercial buildings. The rule also requires gas distribution companies to install curb valves (manually operated shutoff valves located near the service main) or EFVs for all new or replaced service lines with meter capacities exceeding 1,000 standard cubic feet per hour to protect against uncontrolled gas releases from larger commercial and industrial users.
Existing customers are not required to have an EFV installed, however they may request one be installed. The customer will be liable for costs associated with the installation of the EFVs. The cost for the installation of the EFV will be provided by IGU prior to the installation, however, is estimated to fall within the range of $500-$3,000 for installation in existing service lines.
EXCESS FLOW VALVE
An EFV is an automatic in-line shut off device installed within the natural gas service line, the device will shut off the gas when the service line has been broken or has excessive flow. Such excessive flow can be caused by damage due to an excavation, damage caused by a natural disaster such as an earthquake, or excessive flow due to additional gas-fired equipment being added to the service line that exceeds the design capacity of the EFV. Installation of an EFV will NOT protect against customer appliance gas leaks, small service line punctures or gas meter leaks.
MANUAL SHUT-OFF
The manual shut-off valve is an in-line valve that will be buried underground that can be accessed and manually turned off by IGU operators. The shut-off valve will be contained within a small underground vault that can be accessed by removing the lid/cover.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
The cost of the installation of the EFV will be the responsibility of the Customer. IGU shall provide a site-specific estimate and the customer shall be charged actual cost of labor and materials, to include any materials (such as gravel, asphalt or concrete, etc.) needed for restoration.
It is critical that a customer with an EFV installed informs IGU before any additional gas-fired equipment is added to the service line. This can be done by submitting a Change in Usage Form. Failure to do so could cause the EFV to close, disrupting natural gas service. If a larger capacity EFV needs to be installed to handle the Customer's increased load, the Customer will be responsible for IGU's cost to replace the EFV. Should a Customer increase the load on the service line without notifying IGU, causing the EFV to close, the Customer will be responsible for all costs and damages associated with the closed EFV, including but not limited to IGU's cost to repair and/or replace the EFV.
If you have any questions, need help understanding your options, or would like to request an EFV installation cost estimate, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our customer service team is here and ready to assist you at (907) 452-7111 or by email at customerservice@interiorgas.com.