Excess Flow Valve (EFV) installation option for MLGW natural gas customers

Recent federal regulations require Memphis Light Gas and Water (MLGW) to notify natural gas customers about the availability of Excess Flow Valves (EFVs).

EFVs are mechanical shut-off devices designed to stop the flow of natural gas automatically if a customer’s gas service line is broken or severed during excavation or construction, or damaged by natural occurrences such as earthquakes or tornadoes. A gas service line is the gas pipe running to the gas meter on your property or at your business. By stopping the flow of natural gas, EFVs reduce the risk of a natural gas fire, explosion, personal injury and/or property damage in the event of a break in the gas service line.

If you request the installation of an EFV on your gas service line, you will be responsible for payment of the actual installation cost. Installation costs may vary depending on the nature of the installation on your property. When an EFV installation is requested, MLGW will provide you with a cost estimate.

1. You will be billed for the cost of installing the EFV. The installation cost typically ranges from $2,500 to $5,000, but the actual installation cost will depend on the difficulty of installation. We will inform you of the actual cost before you make the final decision that you want an EFV.

2. If it becomes necessary to replace the EFV on your service line due to a failure or malfunction (sticks open or closed), MLGW will replace the EFV at no charge to you.

3. If it becomes necessary to replace the EFV on your service line due to the customer’s addition or upgrading of gas appliances, for example, a pool heater, emergency generator, cooking ranges, hot water heaters, etc. you will be billed for the cost of installing a new or replacement EFV.

4. If a service line customer requests installation of an EFV and agrees to pay the installation costs, MLGW must install an EFV at a mutually agreeable date. If one or more of the following conditions listed below are present, an EFV cannot be installed:

a. The service line does not operate at a pressure of 10 psig or greater throughout the year;

b. MLGW has prior experience with contaminants in the gas stream that could interfere with the EFV’s operation or cause loss of service to a customer;

c. An EFV could interfere with necessary operation or maintenance activities, such as blowing liquids from the line; or

d. An EFV meeting the required Code of Federal Regulations performance standards is not commercially available to MLGW.

To initiate a request for an Excess Flow Valve (EFV), MLGW will require that you contact MLGW’s Builders Services Center at (901) 729-8630.

Excess Flow Valve Diagram

The diagram of an excess flow valve above shows where the EFV would be installed, as well as possible causes of damage to a natural gas service line that would activate the EFV and shut off your gas service for your safety.