An excess flow valve (EFV) is a device that Beaches Energy Services can install on your commercial natural gas service line (the line that runs between the underground gas main and your gas meter).
Excess flow valves are designed to automatically restrict your service when the natural gas flow exceeds certain limits, such as when a service line is damaged due to excavation or other activities. When activated, the EFV may stop the flow of natural gas, limiting the risk of escaping natural gas due to this type of damage or a pipe failure, and providing safety benefits. EFVs do not protect against gas leaks occurring within your business's piping.
Beaches Energy Services is notifying you of your right to request installation of an EFV on your gas service line if one has not previously been installed. We estimate that most EFV installations will range in cost between $1,200 and $1,800 per line, depending on the excavation and restoration required for a particular premise. If you request that an EFV be installed, we will determine if your service line meets certain eligibility requirements, such as pressure limits and natural gas flow rates. If your line meets the requirements Beaches Energy Services will install an EFV on your service line (typically scheduled for completion within eight to 12 weeks).
During installation, Beaches Energy Services will stop your natural gas service and excavate your service line, and then install the valve, close the system and backfill the excavation. The last step is to restore natural gas service to your business. Beaches Energy Services requires someone over the age of 18 to be present at the time of natural gas restoration.
Typically, excess flow valves are maintenance free. However, should a problem arise with the device, Beaches Energy Services will repair or replace the EFV at no further cost to you.
To learn more about excess flow valves, you may contact our Gas Representative, James Farris, at (904) 669-6519 or email at jfarris@tecoenergy.com.
Frequently asked questions
Q. What is an excess flow valve?
A. An excess flow valve is an optional device that can be installed on your natural gas service line. Excess flow valves are designed to automatically restrict your service when the natural gas flow exceeds certain limits, such as when a service line is damaged due to excavation or other similar activities. When activated, the excess flow valve may stop the flow of natural gas, limiting the risk of escaping natural gas due to damage or a pipe failure.
Q. Do I need to have an excess flow valve installed if I don't already have one? What does it do?
A. No, Excess flow valves are optional for existing businesses. When activated, the excess flow valve may restrict the flow of natural gas, limiting the risk of escaping natural gas due to third-party damage or a pipe failure. Excess flow valves do not protect against gas leaks occurring within your businesses’ natural gas piping.
Q. What are the requirements for eligibility?
A. Beaches Energy Services will perform an evaluation to determine if the service line meets certain eligibility requirements such as pressure limits and natural gas flow rates. Most residential premises and some small businesses should qualify, unless they already have an excess flow valve installed. You may contact our Gas Representative, James Farris, at (904) 669-6519 or email at jfarris@tecoenergy.com for more information.
Q. Will I lose natural gas service during installation? Does installation require digging in my yard?
A. Yes, during installation, we will stop your natural gas service and excavate your service line. Next, we will install the valve, close the system and backfill the excavation. The last step is to restore natural gas service to your business.
Q. Do I need to be present during installation? How long will it take?
A. Yes, Beaches Energy Services requires a person over the age of 18 to be present any time natural gas service is restored. Installation should be completed eight to 12 weeks from the date scheduled. The installation process onsite typically takes several hours.
Q. Is there a cost for installing and maintaining an excess flow valve?
A. Yes, you will incur a charge for installing an excess flow valve. Most installations will range in cost between $1,200 and $1,800 per line. If your service line meets the eligibility requirements, and you wish to proceed with excess flow valve installation, Beaches Energy Services will install an excess flow valve on each qualified service line. Should a problem arise with the device, we will repair or replace the valve at no further cost to you.
Get more information
To learn more about excess flow valves, you may contact our Gas Representative, James Farris, at (904) 669-6519 or email at jfarris@tecoenergy.com.