Excess flow valves

In accordance with federal regulation, we are required to notify all eligible customers of their right to request an excess flow valve (EFV) installed on their existing natural gas service line. All new service lines installed in the EPCOR system since January 2008 have EFVs.

How EFVs work

An EFV is a mechanical device on the service line that restricts the flow of gas between the main line and the customer meter in the event the service line is damaged. The flow is restricted when the EFV recognizes a sudden change in gas flow across the valve. This is usually caused by excavation-type damages. The potential benefit of the EFV is to reduce the risk of fire, explosion, and/or injury to nearby people or property. An EFV is not designed to stop flow for small (pinhole) leaks in the service line, nor for any leaks beyond the customer meter (i.e., home gas piping or yard lines for appliances).

Find out if you're eligible

Federal regulations now allow all existing customer service lines for single or multi-family residences and small commercial customers not exceeding 1,000 standard cubic feet per hour of gas flow to be equipped with an EFV.

EFV installation

If you want to find out if you have an EFV on your service line, call our office during normal business hours. We'll review your account to find out when your service line was installed. If it was installed before January 2008, and you'd like to know whether you have an EFV, you can ask to have a technician come to your property and assess your line. There is $45 fee for this service. You also will need to be home at an agreed-upon date for a technician to reconnect services after testing.

If our technician finds no EFV on your line and you'd like one installed, you can call to schedule a date to install the EFV and reconnect the service.

If your EFV malfunctions or needs replacing, we will replace it at no charge. If you require a higher demand of natural gas volume, any redesign in service lines and/or EFVs may be your financial responsibility.