The Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) requires JCE Co-op to notify all natural gas members about excess flow valves (EFVs) and to install an EFV if requested. 

EVFs are mechanical shut-off devices that can be installed in the gas pipe running to the gas meter at your property (the “service line”). The main purpose of an EFV is to reduce the risk of a release of natural gas caused by excavation damage to the service line between the point of connection to the main and the meter. Stopping the flow of gas from a broken service line significantly reduces the risk of 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 also may not close if the leak on the service line is small. 

If you add additional gas appliances (for example, a pool heater, emergency generator, etc.) the additional gas flow may cause the EFV to close. 

Not every service can accommodate an EFV. EFVs cannot be installed on some service lines due to high gas flow, low pressure or other factors. If you request an EFV but your service line cannot accommodate an EFV, we will let you know. 

The installation of an EFV is not a requirement for existing natural gas service lines, however, at the request of the member, one will be installed. JCE Co-op routinely installs EFVs during new installations and replacements. Your service may have an EFV installed. 

If you notify us that you want an EFV, we will contact you and evaluate your service to determine if an EFV is appropriate and what the estimated cost will be. You will be billed for the cost of installing the EFV. The average installation cost is typically less than $1,000 but the actual installation cost will depend on the difficulty of installation. The amount charged will not exceed $1,200 and is payable prior to construction. We will inform you of the actual cost before you make the final decision that you want an EFV. This amount will include all labor, equipment and materials but will not include restoration of grounds disturbed by excavation. After payment is received, installation typically will be completed with 30 days during construction season (April through November). 

The installation of an EFV typically will take one day and will require the excavation of the service line at the connection to the main. JCE Coop will make the excavation, install the EFV and backfill the excavation. Again, JCE Co-op will not restore the grounds, etc. disturbed by the excavation, including pavement. Installation will be done on a mutually agreeable date, depending on weather and operational requirements at JCE Co-op. 

If becomes necessary to replace the EFV on your service line after initial installation, we will replace the EFV at no charge to you. EFV replacement may be necessary if you add additional gas appliances, such as a pool heater or emergency generator, that exceeds the capacity of the EFV. EFV replacement also may be necessary if the EFV malfunctions (sticks open or closed). Industry experience is thar EVS rarely malfunction.

If you would like to have an EFV installed or have questions, please call our main office at 800-858-5522. When we receive your request we will: 

  1. Determine if an EFV is already installed at your location. If yes, we will let you know. 
  2. If no EFV is installed, we will determine if it is possible to install an EFV at your location. If no, we will let you know. 
  3. If an EFV can be installed, we will estimate the costs for installing an EFV at your location and let you know those costs. 
  4. If you let us know you want to proceed with installation, we wills end an invoice for the estimated costs. 
  5. Once we receive your payment we will schedule the installation at mutually agreeable time, typically within 30 days of receiving payment.