Excess Flow Valve Customer Notification

You may request that Grey Forest Utilities install an excess flow valve (EFV) on the gas line to your property.  EFVs are mechanical shut off devices that can be installed in the gas piping running to the gas meter at your property (the “service line”).  An EFV is designed to shut the flow of natural gas automatically if the service line breaks, for example, by an excavation accident.  Stopping the flow of gas from a broken service line significantly reduces the risk of a natural gas fire, explosion, personal injury and/or property damage.

EFVs are not designed to close if a leak occurs beyond the gas meter (on house piping or appliances).   EFVs may not close if the leak on the service line is small. 

IF you install additional gas appliances, for example, a pool heater, emergency generator, etc., the additional gas flow may cause the EFV to close.

If you notify us that you would like an EFV, a Grey Forest Utilities representative will contact you to set up a meeting to review your individual installation and assist with the final decision.  After the final cost review, if you choose to have the EFV installed we will schedule an installation date for an EFV on your service line.   The installation date scheduled will not exceed 8 months from the date of payment for the EFV installation. You will be billed for the cost of the installation.

The average installation cost is typically $500 – $1,000, but the actual installation cost will depend on the difficulty of installation.  You will be informed of the actual cost, so that a final decision can be made.  

If it becomes necessary to maintain or replace the EFV on your service line, GFU will maintain or replace the EFV at no charge.

EFVs will not be installed on your service line if:

• The service line does not operate at a pressure
  of 10 psig or greater throughout the year;
• The EFV could interfere with proper operation or
  cause loss of service;
• An EFV could Interfere with necessary operation
  or maintenance activities; or
• The capacity of the meter on the service line
  exceeds 1,000* cubic feet per hour

If you request an EFV we will inform you if your service line meets any of these conditions.

*Note:  EFVs are available for higher flow rates.  Grey Forest Utilities must install EFVs on request (after the customer makes the final determination after meeting with a Grey Forest Utilities Representative) if the meter capacity is 1,000 cfh or less and none of the other conditions above are present.

For your Safety always call 811 to have gas lines and other buried utilities marked before you dig.