Excess flow valves

EffectiveApril 14, 2017, a new Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) regulation requiresall natural gas utilities to notify customers about excess flow valves (EFV) and to install an EFVif the customer requests one. In accordance with the new regulation North Alabama Gas District will install an EFV for all existing customers who request to have one installed.This rule applies to all residential and small commercialcustomers who meet the conditions set forth by the new regulation. All existing customers who request an EFV will be required to pay for the installation.

EFVs are mechanical shut-off devices that can be installed in the gas pipe running to the natural gas meter installed on your property (the “service line”). An EFV is designed to stop the flow of gas if the service line is broken, for example, by an excavation accident. Stopping the flow of gas from a broken service line significantly reduces the risk of natural gas fire, explosion, personal injury and/or property damage. EFVs are not designed to close if a leak occurs beyond the gas meter (on house piping or appliances). When EFVs are installed they are sized according to the current gas load. If additional gas appliances are added, for example, a pool heater, emergency generator, etc., the additional gas flow may cause the EFV to close. Please call North Alabama Gas District if you have any questions regarding the addition of natural gas appliances related to an EFV installation.

North Alabama Gas District’s fee for an EFV installation on an existing service line is $450. The fee will need to be paid prior to schedulingthe installation with North Alabama Gas District. As the customer you are not required to be home during the installation but you will need to be home to have pilots relit ifrequired. Scheduling of both the EFV installation and relighting of pilotswill be coordinated prior to work beginning.

EFVs cannot be installed on some service lines due to high gas flow(flows in excess of 1,000 scfh). If you request an EFV but your service line cannot accommodate an EFV we will let you know.

Once installed, if it becomes necessary to maintain or replace the EFV on your service line the customer will be billed for the maintenance or replacement at the actual cost incurred by North Alabama Gas District.

If you would like to schedule an EFV installation or have any questions regarding your right as a customer to have an EFV installed please contact North Alabama Gas District at 256-383-3306if you are located in Colbert or Lawrence County and 256-772-0227 if you are located in Limestone or Madison County.