Jump to Footer

Pipeline Safety

Peoples is committed to pipeline safety. On this page, you can learn more about our pipeline emergency plan, safety commitment, and pipeline infrastructure maintenance.

Natural gas pipelines are one of the safest modes of fuel transportation today. The natural gas pipeline network spans the United States, and the industry invests millions of dollars each year on research and technology to improve the system.

To keep the network safe, the natural gas pipeline industry complies with a comprehensive regulatory program directed by the United States Department of Transportation's Pipeline Hazardous Material Safety Administration Division. These regulations provide minimum safety standards for the design, construction, maintenance, and testing of natural gas pipeline systems.

The mandated Pipeline Integrity Management programs for transportation and distribution pipelines require operators to continually assess pipeline integrity and perform risk analysis, especially in highly populated areas. Peoples utilizes preventive and mitigative measures to reduce the risk of pipeline leaks or failures, and to ensure the safe delivery of natural gas to homes and businesses in our service area.

Excess Flow Valves (EFV)

Peoples provides and maintains safety measures that protect your home and neighborhoods from unexpected changes in natural gas flows. One of those measures is an Excess Flow Valve (EFV) installed on new and renewed gas lines that supply gas to homes and some businesses. The device is designed to automatically shut off the flow of gas to your home if the natural gas line is damaged or broken. 

As we install new gas pipelines throughout the system as part of our pipeline improvement program, EFVs are installed on service lines that meet the operating conditions for an EFV. Customers may request installation of an EFV onto the pipeline serving their home prior to Peoples' planned implementation of the device. However, customers choosing this option will be responsible for the cost of installation with estimates beginning at $2,100.

Answers to frequently asked questions are provided below. If you would like to learn more or request information to determine if your service line is suitable for an EFV installation, please email us at EFV@peoples-gas.com. You can also call us at 1-866-358-1735.

  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an excess flow valve (EFV)?

An excess flow valve, or EFV, is a device that can be installed by Peoples on the natural gas service line. The service line is the pipe that runs from the natural gas main line to your house/meter. Excess flow valves are designed to shut off the flow of natural gas if a service line becomes damaged.  When activated, the excess flow valve may prevent the leakage of natural gas that could enter a home.

Can an EFV be installed at my house?

Due to operating characteristics and limitations, excess flow valves cannot be installed at all addresses. We would need to make an evaluation to determine whether or not an excess flow valve can be installed at your home. Each situation will be evaluated upon request.

How much will it cost me to have an EFV installed?

For homes and businesses, the installation cost will vary, depending on the difficulty of installation; however, we anticipate the minimum cost to be $2,100. A cost estimate will be provided to all qualifying customers upon request. Once we receive a request for an excess flow valve installation, a Peoples representative will contact you to determine whether or not an excess flow valve can be installed and provide you with a cost estimate. If you would like to learn more and request information, please email us at EFV@peoples-gas.com. You can also call us at 1-866-358-1735.

Who should I contact to request an estimate?

Contact us at 1-866-358-1735 or by email at EFV@peoples-gas.com. One of our representatives will get back to you as soon as possible. 

When do I have to decide if I want an EFV installed?

You may request to have an excess flow valve installed at any time.

I live in an apartment complex. Can I get an EFV?

Yes, excess flow valves are also designed for multi-family residences, as long as those residences do not exceed volume restrictions.

Who will install the EFV?

A Peoples crew will install the excess flow valve.

Why do I have to pay for the EFV?

Until recent years, federal law did not require excess flow valves be installed on newly constructed or replaced service lines. Where excess flow valves were not previously required by law, it is the customer’s option to install the device at his or her expense.

Can I make installment payments?

No. The full amount must be received by Peoples before an excess flow valve is installed.

Will an EFV stop leaks inside my home?

No. Excess flow valves do not protect against leaks beyond the meter assembly/house piping. If you smell natural gas inside your home, leave immediately and call our 24/7 emergency number at 1-800-400-4271 from a safe remote location.

Where will the EFV be installed?

We will install the excess flow valve on the existing service line as close as possible to the natural gas main line (usually near or in the street).

How long will the EFV last?

Excess flow valves are designed to last the lifetime of our natural gas distribution system.

Who pays for any EFV repairs or replacement?

After we install an EFV, we will maintain the excess flow valve just as we maintain our entire natural gas distribution system at no additional cost to the customer.

How do I know if I already have an EFV?

You can contact us and we will check to see if your home or business already has an excess flow valve. You can call us at 1-866-358-1735 or email us at EFV@peoples-gas.com

How long will it take to have my EFV installed?

Once we have received your full payment for the installation, your Excess Flow Valve will be installed on a date that is mutually agreeable to you and Peoples. Installation dates will vary depending on several factors, such as the number of requests, available materials, permitting, weather, etc.

Will my property or landscaping be disturbed?

Possibly. During installation, your property or landscaping may be disturbed. Installation of an excess flow valve requires digging so that the service line is exposed prior to installation. We will make every effort to restore your property to its original condition.