Attn: Natural Gas Customers
RE: Natural Gas Service Charges
Attached is the Hibbing Public Utilities Natural Gas Service Application. It is our policy to
charge for service installation in order to recover the costs of materials used in
installation of the service. The base charge of $450 recoups the costs of the meter,
pipe, regulator, meter set, other miscellaneous materials. The adder of $3/foot over 90
feet recoups a portion of the total costs associated with the additional service length.
These aforementioned items are expenses to the Utilities that need to be recovered.
The alternative to recovery through the service charge is recovery through the natural
gas rates. In an effort to continue to offer competitive rates in the Hibbing Public Utilities
Commissions' (HPUC) system, this service fee policy has been implemented.
This clarifies the reasoning behind the HPUC's gas service installation fee. I thank all
applicants for their understanding as HPUC looks forward to continuing to provide
competitive rates and quality service.
Sincerely,
HIBBING PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
Luke J. Peterson
General Manager
LJP/plr
Attachment
cc: I:\Sharepoint\Forms\Natural Gas Service Application and Policy
"Providing Quality Utility Services at Competitive Rates"
NATURAL GAS INSTALLATION INSPECTION
FORM
Form CI-97
Address:
Customer's Name:
Installer's Name:
Company:
Mechanic Permit No.:
Rough Piping Inspection
Date:
Piping: Size Material.
Support
Connections
Air Test
---
Start Time
---
Psi
Hours
Finish
Time
-
---
Final Piping Inspection
Date:
-
----------------
Was the gas service energized?
Explain
Notes:
Equipment Installed
Valving:
Venting:
Main
Valve
_
Size
Material
Appliance Valve(s)
Cold Air Return
Make-Up Air
Signature
of Installer:
Signature of Inspector:
Signature of Hibbing Building Inspector:
I:\Sharepoint\Forms\Natural Gas Service Application and Policy
Make
Model
Serial No.
Input
Capacity
Furnace
Boiler
Water Heater
Range
Dryer
**No gas service will be energized without a mechanical permit (Hibbing City Hall), inspection, and approval**.
OWNER (Last/ First)
SERVICE
ADDRESS
MAILING
ADDRESS
DATE
ACCT. NO.
PHONE NO.
ALT PHONE NO.
REQUEST
FOR:
LENGTH:
CHARGES:
OFFICE
USE ONLY
NEW SERVICE
0-90'
$450
3-MONTH INSTALLMENT PLAN
DYES
NO
NEW
SERVICE
-
Conversion
0-90'
NO CHARGE
ADDITIONAL
FOOTAGE
EACH
FOOT
OVER
90'
$3.00/FOOT
RELOCATION
PER
LINEAR
FOOT
$4.00/FOOT
REPLACEMENT OR
2ND SERVICE
PER
LINEAR
FOOT
$4.00/FOOT
BARRICADE
PROTECTION
IF REQUIRED
$150
NOTICE - CONDITIONS OF RECEIVING GAS SERVICE
Requests for service made prior to September 1 will be addressed in the order they are received. If applicants are
not ready for service at the HPU scheduled time, HPU will attempt to reschedule the installation at a later date if
weather permits.
Service requests received after September 1
st
may be installed for that year, weather permitting.
With the exception of the conditionally waived categories, all new services request must be accompanied by a $200
deposit and a 3-month installment plan, or $450. Relocation, replacements, or second services will be billed to the
c
ustomer after completion.
HPUC Heat Department shall return the completed work order verifying the details of the installed gas line. If a
variation is noted, the Billing Department will make the necessary billing adjustments to the customer.
Service piping footage is based on the distance from the property line to the meter set location.
Restoral from property line to meter set location shall be by the owner.
When customer has air test ready, a 24-hour notice must be given before the air test inspection will be performed.
All air tests must start a minimum of 12-hours prior to test inspection.
HPUC Heat Department will conduct an
inspection and flow gas if inspection is satisfactory. Piping contractor must be present at the time of inspection.
HPUC service policy allows single family dwelling piping to be installed by owner. The owner or any installer shall be
aware of HPUC service installation policy regulations and requirements.
Future service upgrade costs in order to accommodate an increase in natural gas throughput shall be assessed on
a
time
& material basis and billed to the customer.
The property owner is responsible for locating all private utilities on the property, and if deemed necessary by the
HPU Heat Department to safely install the gas service.
HPU Heat Department will determine if a barricade is required and inform the customer prior to performing the
work, as it may be an additional expense to the owner.
The property owner shall be responsible to pay for any natural gas service installation permit fees.
I hereby apply for gas service as listed above and agree to be governed at all times by the rules and regulations of HPU. I
have read the conditions on the bac of this application and have received the "Gas Service Installation Policy.'
SIGNED: DATE:
_
SEE OTHER
SIDE
NATURAL GAS SERVICE APPLICATION
PAID
PLEASE MAKE A DETAILED SKETCH OF THE HOME, GARAGE, FENCE, SIDEWALKS, DRIVEWAYS
AND ANY OBSTRUCTIONS THAT MAY BE IN THE AREA OF THE PROPOSED SERVICE LOCATION.
DATE
ADDRESS OR LOCATION
HEAT DEPTARTMENT
NATURAL GAS SERVICE
HIBBING PUBLIC UTILITIES
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
HIBBING, MINNESOTA
NATURAL GAS SERVICE POLICY
Dated: August 31, 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION FIVE - Gas Utility
I.
GENERAL
A.
Service Territory 1
B.
Rates and Regulations 1
C.
Gas Leaks - Safety 1
II.
CUSTOMER GAS INSTALLATIONS
A.
Requirements 1
B.
Main Extensions 1
C.
New Services, Relocated Services, Second &
2
Replacement Services
D.
Gas Service Line Ditches
2
E.
HPUC Allowable Pressure Supply Downstream of 2
the Meterset
F.
Size of Gas Service
2
G.
Customers'
Piping
2
H.
Pipe Sizing
3
I.
Prohibited Fittings
3
J.
Testing of Pipes
3
K.
Approved Gas Appliances 3
L.
Chimneys, Vents, and Combustion Air Intakes
4
1.
Chimneys and
Vents
4
2.
Combustion Air Intakes
4
III.
METER INSTALLATION
A.
General Regulations 4
B.
Residential
Installations
4
C.
Industrial and Commercial Installations 4
D.
Special Large Capacity Meter Installations 5
IV.
INSPECTION RESPONSIBILITY OF THE COMMISSION
A.
Requirements 5
B.
Certification
oflnspection 6
C.
Test by Installer, Inspected by Commission
D.
Commission's Inspection
E.
Tests Installer Shall Perform
F.
Commission Employees Not Responsible
V. APPENDIX
A.
Drawing HPU-G13
6
6
6
6
7
I:\Sharepoint\Forms\Natural Gas Service Application and Policy
I.
GENERAL
A.
SERVICE TERRITORY
Natural gas service is available at all premises located within the area served by the Public Utilities
Commission's natural gas lines, subject to capacity limitations of the Commission's system, their ability to
purchase natural gas from the supplier, and their distribution facilities.
B.
RATES AND REGULATIONS
Standard agreements to supply gas service shall be in accordance with the Rate Schedule and the Rules and
Regulations which are available at the Public Utilities Commission Offices along with the Commission's
ability to purchase gas from the supplier and their distribution facilities.
Subdivider, owner, developer, or contractor shall be responsible for the installation and repairs of their own
gas piping. This piping shall begin at the downstream side of the meter and continue to the appliance(s).
C.
GAS LEAKS- SAFETY
Immediate notice shall be given to the Commission's Office if any escape of gas is suspected or discovered.
No open light shall be taken near any escape of gas. It shall be a provision of the Rules and Regulations that
the Commission shall not be responsible for any damage or loss which may arise from any escape of gas on or
in the customer's premises.
There shall be no charge for investigation of a suspected gas leak.
II.
CUSTOMER GAS INSTALLATIONS
A.
REQUIREMENTS
The customer's gas installation shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with standard practices as
determined by the Policies, Procedures and Regulations of the most recent Minnesota Mechanical Code.
The most recent Minnesota Mechanical Code shall be the standard practice for all unit installations.
The customer shall not utilize any apparatus or device which may adversely effect the gas service.
The Commission reserves the right to discontinue or withhold gas service to any installation failing to conform
to these requirements.
B.
MAIN EXTENSIONS
No extension of a main shall be required to be made by the Commission unless the main, as then constructed,
has sufficient capacity to provide the gas service requested without jeopardizing gas service to the area being
served by such main.
Residential, commercial and industrial extensions are subject to review with regard to the ability to serve, cost
of services, and facilities.
Gas Service Policy Dated 8/31/2012 1
C.
NEW SERVICES, RELOCATED SERVICES, SECOND
&
REPLACEMENT SERVICES
All natural gas service installations will be installed by the HPUC or an HPUC approved qualified installer.
D.
GAS SERVICE LINE DITCHES
"Joint" trench installations will be considered for the installation of gas electric, telephone and cable
TV/communications. There shall be at least twelve (12) inches of vertical and/or horizontal separation
between underground services. Service line depth shall be a minimum of eighteen (18) inches.
Gas service line ditches shall not be used for the installation of sewer or water services.
Gas services located under buildings are strictly prohibited.
E.
HPUC ALLOWABLE PRESSURE SUPPLY DOWNSTREAM OF THE METERSET
1.
RESIDENTIAL
7 Inches W.C. (1/4 lb.)
2.
COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL
As needed based on the design requirements of the appliance.
F.
SIZE OF GAS SERVICE
Sizes of domestic, commercial and industrial services for low pressure, medium pressure (up to 10 PSIG) and
high pressure (10 to 50 PSIG) shall be determined by the Commission on the basis of codes, rules, and
regulations that govern.
G.
CUSTOMERS' PIPING
Detached single family residences may be piped by the owner, as long as the entire gas piping system is
installed according to the HPUC policy. Detached single family residences not piped by the owner, and all
other classes of customers' piping upon and in their premises, shall be installed and tested and in accordance
with the most recent Minnesota Mechanical Code. The requirements of this policy are only an outline of
procedures or recommendations of the policies, rules, and regulations governing the installation of gas pipe.
The installer must comply with the applicable codes, policies, procedures, rules and/or regulations indicated in
paragraph II.A. above to ensure safe and satisfactory installation of piping.
The results of the air test and the inspection of the gas piping system must be witnessed and inspected by an
HPUC representative.
All preferred gas piping shall be steel or wrought iron of full weight, standard gauge and thickness. Wrought
iron pipe is recommended for most installations. Copper piping and stainless steel seamless corrugated flex
pipe shall not be allowed, unless specifically approved by the Hibbing Building Official.
Steel and wrought iron pipe shall comply with the most recent Minnesota Mechanical Code requirements.
Steel and wrought iron piping run outside exposed above ground shall be coated with rust resistant material
(by customer). Compression fittings shall not be allowed. Reference Section G., Page 3, PROHIBITED
FITTINGS.
Gas piping and fittings shall be clean and free from cutting burrs, defect in structure, or threading.
Eve1y appliance shall have an approved accessible shut-off cock with a lever handle.
An approved pipe union shall be installed between the shut-off cock and appliance.
Gas Service Policy Dated 8/31/2012
2
Drip tees comprised of a tee fitting with the bottom outlet capped must be installed at the base of supply piping
dropping down to an automatically controlled gas burner or appliance, before any regulator or automatic gas
valve, and ahead of all pounds-to-inches pressure regulators. The tee must be installed so that the gas enters
the tee from the top and leaves at a 90 degree angle from the inlet.
All gas pipe concealed or larger than 2" shall be completely welded, using either butt or socket weld fittings.
All concealed type of construction shall be inspected, tested, and approved before concealment.
When gas meters are installed on the exterior of the building, a main shut-off valve, the same size as the main
building gas supply, shall be installed in an accessible location inside of the building as close to the entrance
wall as possible.
All mobile home installations shall have a flexible connector installed immediately after the outlet union of the
meter set.
H.
PIPE SIZING
Pipe carrying gas to domestic appliances shall not be smaller than one-half (1/2) inch in size.
Pipe shall be of ample size to carry the desired BTU load, preferably not to exceed three-tenths (0.3) inch drop
in water pressure.
I.
PROHIBITED PIPING FITTINGS
The use of bushings is prohibited. Reducer fittings shall be used to reduce pipe size. The use of street elbows
is prohibited. Cast iron and compression fittings shall not be used. Old pipe or galvanized pipe shall not be
used. The use of pipe plugs is prohibited. Caps shall be used at all times to terminate open pipes.
Tin straps, wires, and make-shift supports shall not be used. Use only standard wire pipe hanger hooks, pipe
straps, or strap hanger iron.
Only reliable standard ground joint unions shall be used.
Hose or flexible tie-ins shall only be allowed in the vicinity of the appliance connection.
Cement shall not be used or caulking done to repair faulty fitting work. All imperfect fittings shall be
replaced.
Use as few couplings as possible. Couplings not absolutely necessary shall be removed.
J.
TESTING OF PIPES
All piping shall be air tested before the gas is turned on. All piping of a customer service shall be tested under
at least 25 PSIG of air pressure. This test shall be applied by the installer and must be maintained for a
minimum of twelve (12) hours prior to inspection. No pressure loss can occur. Be sure all appliances are
disconnected and piping capped off when testing, as the usual stove cock will not stand this pressure. All
piping shut-off valves shall be in the open position during testing. Appliances shall be tested as provided for
in the most recent Minnesota Mechanical Code.
K.
APPROVED GAS APPLIANCES
All gas burning appliances and conversion burners shall be approved by the American Gas Association, or
National Board of Fire Underwriters Laboratories.
The contractor installing a gas fired installation of any type shall notify the Commission of the installation so
that a HPUC serviceman can be present when the burner is ready to start. For piping, an accessible lever
handle cock shall be installed in the drop pipe to each furnace or burner not less than five (5) feet from the
Gas Service Policy Dated 8/31/2012 3
floor. For main floor cook stoves, the shut-off valve shall be in the basement or behind that appliance. All
electric wiring between the gas appliance and the building wiring shall be installed by a qualified electrician,
and shall conform to the National Electrical Code of the National Board of Fire Underwriters and the Policies,
Rules and Regulations of the Commission.
L.
CHIMNEYS, VENTS AND COMBUSTION AIR INTAKES
1.
CHIMNEYS AND VENTS
Shall be in accordance with the most recent Minnesota Mechanical Code.
2.
COMBUSTION AIR INTAKES
Shall be in accordance with the most recent Minnesota Mechanical Code.
III.
METER INSTALLATIONS
A.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
The Commission shall approve the location of, and properly maintain, at its own expense, such meter or meters
and metering equipment as may be necessary to measure the quantity of gas used by the customer. Ownership
of such equipment shall remain the property of the Commission.
Only authorized agents of the Commission shall set or remove, turn on or turn off (except in emergencies; must
immediately notify the HPUC of this action), or in any way handle such meters. Connections to the
Commission's gas system shall be made only by the Commission's duly authorized agents.
B.
RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATIONS
Meters shall be located on the customer's premises in a safe location, readily accessible for reading and
changing. Installations must comply with any Federal, State, or local requirements.
Outside meter locations are mandatory. The meters and associated regulation and relief valves shall not be
closer than three (3) feet to any source of ignition such as electric meters, switches, and transformers, as well as
windows or other openings to the residence. Meters may be installed by bracket or post at an approved
location. Meter locations shall avoid water taps, electric facilities, air intake vents, edges of sidewalks, and
driveways. For recommended clearances for gas meter installations, see Appendix, Drawing No. G13, Page 11.
The meter shall be installed at least six (6) inches above finished grade level.
C.
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL INSTALLATIONS
Items dictating the design of a meter installation are volume of gas, pressure at which gas is metered, type of
structure or business in respect to its public nature or number of occupants. Public buildings requiring new
meter installations shall install the meters outside. These meters shall be hard case. Meter installations subject
to physical damage shall be protected by the customer as approved by the Commission.
Meter setting materials shall comply with standards specified for gas service. Pipe materials shall comply with
the applicable specifications.
Support for the meter by means of a mounting bracket is preferable. A meter shelf, or concrete slab, may be
provided as required. Hard case meters shall be hung where practicable.
Meters shall not be installed in areas where rapid deterioration from corrosion or other causes is likely to occur
from foreign material.
Appropriate instructions given under residential meter installations shall apply to industrial and commercial
meter installations.
Gas Service Policy Dated 8/31/2012 4
A bypass valve and piping with test tees may be required on the large volume or interruptible meters, depending
on the method used to test the meters.
Outside meters and associated regulation and relief valves shall not be closer than fifty (50) feet to any standby
propane storage tank or fuel transfer points.
D.
SPECIAL LARGE CAPACITY METER INSTALLATIONS
Special new meter installations covered herein, require more than the normal metering facilities, including the
following:
1.
Installations where metering is done at unregulated medium pressure and above.
2.
Installations where metered gas exceeds fifty (50) CCF per hour any pressure class.
3.
Installations where meter house or enclosure is required.
In selecting the type of installation for a specific metering application, factors that should govern the degree of
special treatment are the volume for gas to be delivered to the customer, the pressure of the gas at the delivery
or metering point, the type of structure to be served in respect to its public or other nature (hospitals, schools,
auditoriums, hotels, business with many employees, etc.) and need for securing accessibility to the metering
facilities.
Where customers request or require a separate meter room or house, the customer will be responsible for the
installation of the room or house. The HPUC will provide information and shall approve as stated in paragraph
II.A. above.
Typical meter installations for various applications shall be obtained from the Hibbing Public Utilities
Commission. These are examples only, and not intended to be relied upon to ensure compliance with the most
recent Minnesota Mechanical Code.
All piping from the point where the service enters the structure to the meter shall be exposed and accessible.
The piping to the meter shall be so installed that the connections to the meter fit without strain.
The Commission shall furnish a separate meter for each consumer if it can be classified as a complete apartment
or business.
Gas service valving at the riser shall not be turned on before piping has been completed to at least one major
appliance, and after certification of inspection has been properly executed.
Meters shall be set by employees of the Commission, or their agents.
Plumbers, gas fitters, dealers, or any other unauthorized person shall not be permitted to turn on the gas without
permission of the Commission.
IV.
INSPECTION RESPONSIBILITY OF THE COMMISSION
A.
REQUIREMENTS
Gas service shall not be rendered until the Commission inspection has been made and Certification of
Inspection has been received from such inspector. The Commission reserves the right to inspect the
customer's installation prior to rendering service and from time to time thereafter, but assumes no
responsibility whatsoever as a result of having made such inspection. (SEE APPENDIX, CERTIFICATION
OF INSPECTION, FORM NO., CI-97)
Gas Service Policy Dated 8/31/2012 5
B.
CERTIFICATION OF INSPECTION
Upon completion of the gas service, the gas piping of any building or the installation of any gas equipment, it
shall be the duty of the customer, firm, or corporation doing same to apply for a gas inspection. Once the gas
service passes inspection, the inspector shall make the necessary connections to install the gas meter. The
installer shall make the final connection to the outlet side of the meter. No such gas connections shall be made
to any gas piping until the Certification of Inspection has been issued and properly signed by all required
parties. No inspection shall be made on Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays.
The Commission's Certification oflnspection shall be required of any person or corporation who:
1.
Makes any alteration or addition to the existing gas piping of any building.
2.
Makes any connection with service pipe, constructs or installs any gas furnace, conversion burner, gas
stove or plate, hot water heater, clothes dryer, or gas connections of any sort.
C.
All gas installations shall be tested by the installer and inspected by the Commission before being energized.
D.
The Commission's inspection shall consist of the following:
1.
Inspect piping, venting, and appliance installations for apparent compliance.
THE INSPECTION
CANNOT AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION THAT
ITEMS INSPECTED, IN FACT DO MEET ALL APPLICABLE CODES, POLICIES, RULES OR
REGULATIONS.
2.
Witness air pressure test performed by the installer.
E.
The installer shall perform the following tests on the installation:
1.
Perform air pressure test on piping system witnessed by an authorized Public Utilities employee.
The installer is also required to sign the Commission natural gas installation inspection form which will be
filled by the Commission inspector at the time of gas inspection.
F.
Commission employees shall not be responsible for adjusting equipment, piping, or appliances not passing
inspection.
(SEE APPENDIX, CERTIFICATION OF INSPECTION, FORM NO. CI-97)
I:\Sharepoint\Forms\Natural Gas Service Application and Policy
Gas Service Policy Dated 8/31/2012
6
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Form TR-97
GAS APPLIANCE TEST RECORD
After completion of all installations, the installer shall test all safety and operating controls and venting
before placing the burner in service. The installer shall perform the tests specified in the most current issue
of Chapter 25 of Minnesota Uniform Mechanical Code, Chapter 1346. The installer shall verify by checking
the appropriate box that the tests called for in the Minnesota Uniform Mechanical Code have been
successfully completed and that the requirements of the Code have been satisfied. This form must be
completed for each appliance installed.
Customer:
Address:
Installer:
Date;
_
(Company)
1.
Appliance Information
Type:
Make:
Model:
Serial No.:
2.
Section 2504
-
Rate of Flow
a
Designed Flow Rate
BTU /hr.
Initial Metered Flow Rate
BTU /hr.
Final Metered Flow Rate
BTU
/hr.
Calculated Heat Loss---------------- BTU /hr**
Total Input Demand BTU /hr***
* Final Metered Flow Rate must be within plus or minus two percent of the required BTU/hr rating at the
manifold pressure specified by the manufacturer.
** For conversion burners installed in hot water boilers or warm air furnaces, the flow rate must be
adjusted to within plus or minus five percent of 1.7 times the calculated BTU /hr heat loss of the building
in which it is installed.
Calculated Heat loss:
BTU/hr.
***For conversion burners installed in steam boilers, the flow rate must be adjusted to meet the steam load
requirements. The fuel input demand necessitated by an over-sized boiler must be established and
added to the input demand for load requirements to arrive at a total input demand. Total Input
Demand:
BTU/hr.
3.
Section 2505
-
Pilot Operation
0
4.
Section 2506
-
Burner Operation
0
5.
Section 2507
&
2508- Method of Tests
a
%
Carbon Monoxide
Flue Gas Temp (F)
_
%
Carbon Dioxide
%
Efficiency
_
%Oxygen
_
6.
Section 2509
-
Special Requirements
0
The undersigned hereby certifies that he information contained herein is accurate and that the requirements of the
Minnesota mechanical Code have been satisfied and the unit has been installed according to the manufactured
instructions.
Name (Please print)
MN Master Plumber License****
Signature
Date
_
**** A MN Plumber's License is required for installations in multi-family, commercial and public buildings.
Failure to comply with the requirements herein may result in discontinuation of
gas service and/or revocation of
the
right of the installer to install natural gas piping and equipment.
Customer Buried Piping Notice
Hibbing Public Utilities will notify each customer that owns "customer buried natural gas piping"
of the following information:
1. Hibbing Public Utilities does not maintain the customer's buried piping.
2. If the customer's buried piping is not maintained, it may be subject to the potential hazards
of corrosion and leakage.
3. Customer buried piping should be inspected for leaks and if the piping is metallic, inspected
for corrosion. If an unsafe condition is discovered, it should be repaired.
4. When excavating near the customer's buried gas piping, the piping should be located in
advance and the excavation done by hand. Plumbing contractors and heating contractors
may be of assistance in locating, inspecting and repairing the customer's buried gas piping.
Hibbing Public Utilities will notify each pertaining customer no later than 90 days after the
customer first receives gas at a particular location, and no later than once in a three-year period
thereafter.
(a)
This section applies to each operator of a service line who does not maintain the customer's
buried piping up to entry of the first building downstream, or, if the customer's buried piping
does not enter a building, up to the principal gas utilization equipment or the first fence (or
wall) that surrounds that equipment. For the purpose of this section, "customer's buried
piping" does not include branch lines that serve yard lanterns, pool heaters, or other types
of secondary equipment. Also, "maintain" means monitor for corrosion according to
§192.465 if the customer's buried piping is metallic, survey for leaks according to§ 192.723,
and if an unsafe condition is found, shut off the flow of gas, advise the customer of the
need to repair the unsafe condition, or repair the unsafe condition.
(b)
Each operator shall notify each customer once in writing of the following information:
a.
The operator does not maintain the customer's buried piping.
b.
If the customer's buried piping is not maintained, it may be subject to the potential
hazard or corrosion and leakage.
c.
Buried gas piping should be:
i.
Periodically inspected for leaks;
ii. Periodically inspected for corrosion if the piping is metallic; and\
iii. Repaired if any unsafe condition is discovered
(c)
When excavating near buried gas piping, the piping should be located in advance, and the
excavation done by hand.
(d)
The Operator if applicable, plumbing contractors, and heating contractors can assist in
locating, inspecting, and repairing the customer's buried piping.
(e)
Each Operator shall notify each customer no later than August 14, 1996, or 90 days after
the customer first receives gas at a particular location, whichever is later. However,
operators of maters meter systems may continuously post a general notice in a prominent
location frequented by customers.
I:\Sharepoint\Forms\Natural Gas Service Application and Policy
(a) This section applies to each operator of a service line who does not maintain the customer's
buried piping up to entry of the first building downstream, or, if the customer's buried piping
does not enter a building, up to the principal gas utilization equipment or the first fence (or
wall) that surrounds that equipment. For the purpose of this section, "customer's buried
piping" does not include branch lines that serve yard lanterns, pool heaters, or other types
of secondary equipment. Also, "maintain" means monitor for corrosion according to
§192.465 if the customer's buried piping is metallic, survey for leaks according to§ 192.723,
and if an unsafe condition is found, shut off the flow of gas, advise the customer of the
need to repair the unsafe condition, or repair the unsafe condition.
(b)
Each operator shall notify each customer once in writing of the following information:
1. The operator does not maintain the customer's buried piping.
2. If the customer's buried piping is not maintained, it may be subject to the potential
hazard or corrosion and leakage.
3. Buried gas piping should be:
i. Periodically inspected for leaks;
ii. Periodically inspected for corrosion if the piping is metallic; and\
iii. Repaired if any unsafe condition is discovered
4. When excavating near buried gas piping, the piping should be located in advance,
and the excavation done by hand.
5. The Operator if applicable, plumbing contractors, and heating contractors can assist
in locating, inspecting, and repairing the customer's buried piping.
(c)
Each Operator shall notify each customer no later than August 14, 1996, or 90 days after
the customer first receives gas at a particular location, whichever is later. However,
operators of maters meter systems may continuously post a general notice in a prominent
location frequented by customers.
I:\Sharepoint\Forms\Natural Gas Service Application and Policy