Excess Flow Valves
Pipeline Safety Notification:
In compliance with federal regulation, South Coast Gas Co. and Pierre Part Natural Gas is notifying customers about the installation of a safety device called an Excess Flow Valve (EFV).
What is an Excess Flow Valve?
An Excess Flow Valve is an in-line valve through which pressurized gas flows. These are spring-loaded flow shut-off valves, which will only close when the flow through the valve exceeds the closing flow rate in the direction marked on the valve. EFV’s are installed on some natural gas service lines (the underground line that runs from the gas main line to the meter). They are designed to automatically close when a sudden flow surge occurs, such as a break in a service line.
Excess Flow Valves are designed not to restrict gas usage during normal operating conditions. However, when activated, an EFV will greatly reduce the flow of gas. This will lessen the buildup of natural gas in the service line, and may decrease the possibility of accidents such as natural gas fires or explosions.
Excess Flow Valves do not protect against customer appliance malfunction, customer houseline leaks, or small leaks on service lines or gas meters.
EFV Guidelines
As per federal guideline, all new qualifying service line installations include an excess flow valve. Due to operating characteristics and limitations, in some instances, excess flow valves cannot be installed. On existing service lines, it’s up to the customer to choose to install one at his or her own expense. If the existing customer chooses to install an EFV, then one will be installed on a mutually agreed upon date. Installation of an excess flow valve requires a Louisiana One Call (811) notification, utility marking, and soil excavation on or near customer property where the existing natural gas service line connects to our natural gas main. Natural gas service to the customer’s home or business will be interrupted for a period of time. Customers must be present for natural gas service to be restored upon completion of the excess flow valve installation. The natural gas service line will need to be inspected, and all appliances must be operating normally before the customer’s gas service can be restored.
What is the Cost?
It is not mandatory to install an EFV on your existing gas service line. As a South Coast Gas Co., or Pierre Part Natural Gas customer, you can request to have an EFV installed if you do not already have one. If you don’t have an EFV and would like to have an EFV installed, you may be required to pay the entire cost of installation. The average installation cost is approximately $1200, but the actual cost may vary depending on the installation.
All customer inquiries and requests will be evaluated by a South Coast Gas Co., or Pierre Part Natural Gas representative. If you would like to know more about this mechanical device, please contact South Coast Gas Co., or Pierre Part Natural Gas. by clicking here, or give us a call at 1-888-826-8777
