Excess Flow Valve Installation – Residential Natural Gas Customers

Natural gas is a non-toxic, clean, and reliable source of energy. A key beneficial safety characteristic of natural gas is being lighter than air. Typically, natural gas that accidentally escapes in the open will dissipate harmlessly into the air. In addition, increased federal and state regulatory requirements coupled with the dedicated efforts of natural gas utilities over past decades have led to an increase in public awareness and a decline in pipeline incidents.

A new Federal Pipeline Safety Regulation requires City of Thomasville Utilities to extend to each of its natural gas customers the opportunity to have an Excess Flow Valve (EFV) installed on an existing natural gas service line.

An EFV is a mechanical shut-off device that can be installed on the natural gas service line running to the gas meter. It is designed to restrict the flow of natural gas automatically if it senses a sudden excess flow of natural gas, for example, a rupture of the service line between the mainline and the customer’s meter. The EFV reduces the risk of personal injury and/or property damage. However, installation of an EFV will not protect against small leaks, such as those located on the customer-owned lines or appliances, and may potentially shut off gas supply under heavy system demand, such as under severe weather conditions.

Installation of an EFV on existing service lines is not mandatory. Customers may request that City of Thomasville Utilities install an EFV on the service line to their property. They cannot be installed on some service lines due to high gas flow, low pressure or other factors. If an EFV can be installed and the customer chooses to have it installed, City of Thomasville Utilities will provide an estimated cost to install the device and payment must be collected prior to installation. City of Thomasville Utilities will work with the customer to determine a mutually-agreeable date for installation. The customer is responsible for all future maintenance costs associated with the installation. These include, but are not limited to, excavation costs, repair or replacement costs, and restoration costs.

If you would you like to request an EFV on your service line, please contact Customer Service at (229) 227-7001.