Excess Flow Valve Customer Notification

Hutchinson Utilities

Excess Flow Valve Customer Notification
In accordance with recent federal pipeline safety regulations, Hutchinson Utilities is required to notify all natural gas customers of the new excess flow valve (EFV) requirements. Effective April 14^th, 2017 EFV installation requirements are expanded to include new or replaced service lines to single family residences, multifamily residences and small commercial customers with natural gas volumes not exceeding 1,000 standard cubic feet per hour.  Existing customers also have the right to request the installation of an EFV on their service line at their own expense if it meets the specified conditions per the final rule.

What is an Excess Flow Valve (EFV)?

• An EFV is a mechanical shut-off device installed in the service line designed to stop the flow of natural gas in the event that the service line is completely cut, torn apart or otherwise separated, typically caused by some type of excavation or digging, downstream of the EFV. Stopping the flow of natural gas from a broken service line significantly reduces the risk of a natural gas fire, explosion, personal injury and property damage. EFV’s are installed on the service line near the connection to the natural gas main.

What won’t and Excess Flow Valve (EFV) do?

• EFV’s are not designed to close if a leak occurs after the gas meter (on house piping or appliances). EFV’s also may not close if the leak on the service line is small.

What specified conditions allow for the installation of an Excess Flow Valve (EFV)?

• Installation requirements include service lines to single family residences, multifamily residences and small commercial customers with gas volumes not exceeding 1,000 standard cubic feet per hour and at a pressure not less than 10 p.s.i.g.

Customers may request that Hutchinson Utilities install an EFV on their gas service line by printing out and completing the “Excess Flow Valve Installation Application” below. Please return this application to Hutchinson Utilities at the address noted on the form. Customers requesting the installation of an EFV will be responsible for the actual cost of the installation and will be provided with a range of the estimated cost.  Upon completion of the installation, customers will be billed for the actual cost of the installation.

Sizing of an EFV is based upon the customer’s current natural gas load at the time of installation, any future additions to the natural gas load could result in a malfunction of the EFV and warrant replacement at the customer’s expense. Additionally, customers are responsible for any future maintenance or replacement costs associated with the EFV.  Installation dates must be mutually agreed upon by the customer and Hutchinson Utilities.

Please complete and submit the following application for the installation of an EFV on your natural gas service line.

Once the application is received by the Natural Gas Division of Hutchinson Utilities, an analysis will be made to determine if your service line meets the conditions required for the EFV installation. The Natural Gas Division will contact you to discuss your possible installation and will provide you with an estimated cost for installation.