EXCESS FLOW VALVE NOTIFICATION
A recent federal regulation concerning gas pipeline safety requires Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to notify its customers of their right to request installation of an Excess Flow Valve (EFV) on their existing gas service line. An EFV is a mechanical safety device installed on a gas service line between the gas main in the street and the gas meter.
POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF AN EFV
EFVs minimize or stop the flow of natural gas in the event of a service line break. A potential safety benefit is if an excavator accidentally digs up the natural gas service line and severs the line, the EFV will automatically minimize or stop the flow of natural gas reducing the risk of fire, explosion, injury and/or property damage.
INITIAL INSTALLATION COST
Some customers already have an EFV installed on their existing natural gas service line. As of December 2016, approximately 80 EFV’s are in service.
Customers are responsible to pay for the installation of an EFV. The average installation cost ranges from $500 to $2,400, but may vary depending on the material of the service line and the difficult of the installation. DPU will provide an estimate prior to a customer deciding whether or not to install the EFV.
MAINTENANCE OF THE EFV
Industry experience is the EFV’s rarely malfunction. If it becomes necessary to replace the EFV on your natural gas service line, due to a malfunction, Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities will replace the EFV at no cost to the customer. If the customer changes their natural gas volume requirements and a different EFV is required, the customer is responsible for the cost.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
EFV’s cannot be installed on some service lines due to high gas flow, low pressure, or other factors. If you request an EFV, but your service line cannot accommodate an EFV, we will let you know.
REQUESTING AN EFV
If you are interested in an EFV or are wondering if you currently have an EFV on your natural gas service line please contact the Customer Care Center at 505.662.8333 or [email protected].
If you determine you want an EFV, we will work with you to setup a mutually agreeable installation date.