Excess Flow Valve

A federal regulation concerning natural gas pipeline safety requires Ohio Cumberland Gas Company to notify its customers of their right to request the installation of an Excess Flow Valve (EFV) on their existing natural gas service line. An EFV is a mechanical safety device installed in a natural gas service line between the natural gas main and the natural gas meter. EFV’s minimize or stop the flow of natural gas in the event of a service line break. EFVs will not work properly on all natural gas services; therefore, not all customers qualify for an EFV depending on the customer’s natural gas volume requirements, the pressure of the natural gas system, and the location of the service.


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. The cost to install an EFV on an existing natural gas service is $500.00. The actual cost of the installation of an EFV is the responsibility of the customer requesting the EFV.

Maintenance of the EFV
Industry experience is that EFV’s rarely malfunction. If it becomes necessary to replace the EFV on your natural gas service line, due to a malfunction, Ohio Cumberland Gas Company 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.

Eligibility
Due to the possibility that contaminants in the gas stream could interfere with the operation of an EFV, EFV’s are not eligible to be installed in some areas of the Ohio Cumberland Gas Company pipeline system.

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 Ohio Cumberland Gas Company.

Call 740-392-2941 or 1-877-392-2941

If you determine you want an EFV, we will work with you to setup a mutually agreeable installation date.