Does anyone know anything about EFVs and if I should install one? Benefits?
My natural gas utility has offered me the opportunity to install an Excess
Flow Valve (EFV) on the gas supply line to my house. This valve is supposed
to "automatically restrict the flow of natural gas if the service line
breaks outside the home".
The installation charge is $65, but there is a "maintenance charge" of $900
if it ever breaks or needs to be removed.
It appears that this is an optional component-- I can either request one or
not.
Does anyone know anything about these EFVs and if I should request one?
Here is what they have to say about it:
"Excess Flow Valve
The Company shall provide written notice of the benefits and
availability of Excess Flow Valves (EFV) in accordance with the
United States Department of Transportation Regulation 49 CFR
Part 192.383.
Installation of an EFV shall be made by the Company in the case
of a new service line or a scheduled replacement service line,
upon the customer's request and upon payment by the customer of
the Installation Charge stated below. Installation of an EFV
where the service line is not a new or scheduled replacement
service line shall be available only upon the customer's
request and payment of the below-stated Maintenance Charge.
Installation of an EFV shall only be available where service is
provided to a residential single family dwelling served from a
delivery system with a pressure of ten (10) pounds per square
inch or greater throughout the year, and where the service line
is connected directly to the gas distribution main.
Installation Charqe: $65.00 per EFV installation
Maintenance Charge: $900.00
The Maintenance Charge is for the repair, removal or
replacement of an EFV at a' premises. The Maintenance Charge
shall be paid by the customer who requested installation of the
EFV at that premises, if that customer still takes service at
that premises. The Maintenance Charge is based on excavation
and construction costs under unobstructed surface and soil
conditions (i.e. sod, sidewalks, and pavement). Additional
costs due to obstructed surface conditions (i.e. buildings and
fences) and underground conflicts (i.e. other utility lines and
sprinkler systems) will be charged to the customer. Prior to
the repair, removal or replacement of an EFV, the Company shall
make a reasonable attempt to inform the customer of any
additional charge due to known obstructions.