Alabama Administrative Code Chapter 770-X-6 — Natural Gas Rules

770 Alabama Public Service Commission (Not Subject to APA)

Ala. Admin. Code r. 770-X-6-.01 Application Of Rules

The rules promulgated herein shall apply to all gas utilities operating within the State of Alabama under the jurisdiction of the Alabama Public Service Commission.

(1) These rules govern the furnishing of gas service and facilities to the public by utilities subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission. The purpose of these rules is to establish reasonable service standards to the end that adequate and satisfactory service will be rendered to the public.

(2) If unreasonable hardship to a utility or to a customer results from the application of any rule herein prescribed, application may be made to the Commission for the modification of the rule or for temporary or permanent exemption from its requirements.

(3) The adoption of these rules by the Commission shall in no way preclude altering or amending them.

(4) These rules shall in no way relieve any gas utility from any of its duties under the laws of the United States or this State or from any other rules or directives of this Commission.

History

• Author: Alabama Public Service Commission
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§37-1-32, 37-1-38, 37-1-52.
• Effective October, 1988. Filed with LRS February 5, 2013. Filed for Codification in the Alabama Administrative Code by the Alabama Public Service Commission on February 5, 2013, pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975, §41-22-7.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 770-X-6-.02 Definitions

In the interpretation of these rules, the following definitions shall be used:

(1) “Commission” – Alabama Public Service Commission.

(2) “Customer” – Any person, firm, partnership, corporation, municipality, cooperative, organization, governmental agency, etc., subscribing for gas services from a utility subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission.

(3) “Cubic Foot of Gas”

(a) Measurement at Low Pressure: For the purpose of the measurement of gas to a customer taking gas at standard service pressure, a cubic foot of gas means the amount of gas which occupies a volume of one (1) cubic foot at the time metered under the conditions existing at the customer’s meter. Temperature corrections, if made, should be to sixty (60) degrees Fahrenheit. A Btu adjustment, if made, shall be to 1,000 Btu per cubic foot.

(b) Measurement at High or Medium Pressure: When gas is supplied to customers through orifice or other type meters at pressures above standard service pressure, a cubic foot of gas means that amount of gas which, at the pressure base specified in the supplying pipeline company’s tariff, occupies a volume of one (1) cubic foot at the temperature base contracted for or established by the utility. Temperature corrections, if made, shall be to sixty (60) degrees Fahrenheit. A Btu adjustment, if made, shall be to 1,000 Btu per cubic foot.

(c) Where a utility has a contract or tariff rule in effect on the date these rules become effective specifying a pressure base other than that outlined above, the pressure base so specified may continue to be used in determining gas volumes until the contract terminates or the utility, pursuant to Commission approval, otherwise revises the tariff rule.

History

• Author: Alabama Public Service Commission
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§37-1-32, 37-1-38, 37-1-52.
• Effective January 1968. Amended October 1988. Filed with LRS February 5, 2013. Filed for Codification in the Alabama Administrative Code by the Alabama Public Service Commission on February 5, 2013, pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975, §41-22-7.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 770-X-6-.03 Change In Character of Residential Or Commercial Service

In case any substantial change is made by a utility in natural gas composition, in gas pressure, or in other service conditions which would affect efficiency of operation or requires adjustment of the appliances of residential or commercial customers in the area affected, such appliances shall be inspected and, if necessary, shall be adjusted to meet the new conditions without charge by the utility. Charges for adjustments made to appliances for conversion from liquefied petroleum gas to natural gas shall be at the discretion of the Utility.

History

• Author: Alabama Public Service Commission
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§37-1-32, 37-1-38, 37-1-52.
• Effective January 1968. Amended October 1988. Filed with LRS February 5, 2013. Filed for Codification in the Alabama Administrative Code by the Alabama Public Service Commission on February 5, 2013, pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975, §41-22-7.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 770-X-6-.04 Measurement Of Gas At Higher than Standard Service Pressure

(1) Pressure Compensating or Pressure-Recording Equipment Required - - When gas is measured to customers through displacement meters at a pressure greater than standard service pressure, such meters shall be equipped with reliable pressure-volume recording gauges or other devices for accurately determining the quantity of gas that has passed through the meter, in accordance with contract or tariff provisions.

(2) Determination of Multiplier – In computing the volume of gas on a given pressure base from a pressure-volume chart, the multiplier shall be obtained by the weighted average method, which method consists of determining the average pressure for each indicated unit-volume on the chart.

(3) Determination of Static and Differential Pressure – In computing the volume of gas at a given pressure base from an orifice meter chart or charts, the average static pressure and the average differential pressure shall be determined for periods not exceeding one (1) hour and, where pressure variations are extreme during the hour, such average shall be determined for fifteen (15) minute intervals.

(4) Mechanical or electronic devices may be substituted for the above-stated manual method of computing orifice meter charts.

History

• Author: Alabama Public Service Commission
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§37-1-32, 37-1-38, 37-1-52, 37-1-53.
• Effective January 1968. Amended October 1988. Filed with LRS February 5, 2013. Filed for Codification in the Alabama Administrative Code by the Alabama Public Service Commission on February 5, 2013, pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975, §41-22-7.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 770-X-6-.05 Utility To Provide Meters And Regulators

(1) Installation – Except as stated in Rule 770-X-6-.08, every utility shall provide and install at its own expense and shall continue to own, maintain, and operate all equipment necessary for the regulation and measurement of gas furnished to its customers. Where meters or regulators not required by this rule are furnished by the utility for the convenience of the customer, a reasonable charge for such meters or regulators may be made. Nothing in this rule shall be construed to require the utility to install any regulating equipment on any customer’s gas piping system beyond the point of delivery at the utility’s meter outlet.

(2) Excess Pressure Protection – Where gas is supplied from a high or medium pressure distribution system and the pressure is reduced to standard service pressure for use by the customer, the installation shall be provided with a protective device set to operate when the pressure reaches a predetermined level, not in excess of twenty-one (21) inches water column, said device to be designed to prevent such excess pressure in the event of regulator failure.

History

• Author: Alabama Public Service Commission
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§37-1-32, 37-1-18, 37-1-52.
• Effective October 1988. Filed with LRS February 5, 2013. Filed for Codification in the Alabama Administrative Code by the Alabama Public Service Commission on February 5, 2013, pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975, §41-22-7.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 770-X-6-.06 Meter Testing Equipment

(1) General Testing Equipment – Each utility furnishing metered gas service shall own and maintain the equipment and facilities necessary for accurately testing the various types and sizes of meters used by said utility for the measurement of gas unless arrangements shall have been made to have such testing done in a shop or laboratory containing equipment and operated in a manner acceptable to the Commission. Testing instruments and equipment shall be checked periodically against a standard in accordance with accepted engineering practice.

(2) Equipment for Testing Small Capacity Meters – Each utility shall own and maintain, except as provided in (A) above, a meter prover of approved type and of a capacity of not less than five (5) cubic feet for the testing of small-capacity meters. Each meter prover shall be supplied with all accessories needed for accurate meter testing, shall be located in a room suitable for meter testing, and shall be protected from drafts and excessive changes of temperature. The utility shall maintain this equipment in good condition and correct adjustment.

(3) Equipment for Testing Large Capacity Meters – Each utility furnishing metered gas service through orifice or large displacement meters, except as provided in (A) above, shall have available and maintain in proper adjustment, proving equipment suitable for determining the accuracy of any orifice or large displacement meter used by the utility to within one-half of one (1) percent.

History

• Author: Alabama Public Service Commission
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§37-1-32, 37-1-38, 37-1-52, 37-1-53.
• Effective January 1968. Amended October 1988. Filed with LRS February 5, 2013. Filed for Codification in the Alabama Administrative Code by the Alabama Public Service Commission on February 5, 2013, pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975, §41-22-7.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 770-X-6-.07 Meter Tests

(1) Test Schedule - Each utility shall make and record tests of service meters according to the following:

(a) Every gas service meter to be installed, whether new or repaired, shall be in good order and correct to within two (2) percent when passing gas at 25 percent of the meter’s capacity as rated by the manufacturer; provided, however, any gas meter with a rated capacity of less than 500 cubic feet per hour which is removed from service for a reason other than being defective and which has been in service for less than five years since it was last tested may be installed at a different location without being tested for accuracy.

(b) Each gas utility shall establish a program of testing its meters so as to assure their reasonable accuracy of gas measurement to the public. In following this program, a statistical sample of at least six (6) percent of all meters in service twelve (12) years old or older must be tested each calendar year.

(c) In the event that an error of more than plus two (2) percent is found in more than fifteen (15) percent of the meters included in the sample of meters of a particular age group, then the entire age group of meters represented by that sample shall be removed from service within eighteen (18) months following such determination. Nothing contained in this rule shall prevent a utility from removing and testing a meter at any time.

(2) Meter Test on Request of Customer

(a) Each utility shall, without charge, make a test of the accuracy of the registration of a meter upon the request of a customer, provided that the customer does not request such test more frequently than once in sixty (60) months.

(b) If any customer shall request a test of the accuracy of the meter through which gas service is supplied to such customer and the meter has been tested and found accurate within the last sixty (60) months, the utility shall notify the customer of the conditions under which the test will be made by the utility. Such notification of conditions shall include, but not be limited to: (1) the cost of the test; (2) the time of the test; and (3) the right of the customer to be present or to have a representative present. If such test is requested under this section, the customer shall make a deposit before the test is made equal to the testing fee set out in paragraph (5) below. If, when tested, the meter is found to be more than two (2) percent fast or slow, the testing fee shall be promptly refunded to the customer.

(c) A report giving the name of the customer requesting the test, the date of the request, the location of the premises where the meter had been installed, the type, make, size, and serial number of the meter, the date of removal, the date of the test, the result of the test, and notice of refund or back billing if the meter was found more than two (2) percent fast or slow shall be supplied to the customer within ten (10) days after the completion of the test.

(d) Adjustments to past bills for inaccuracies shall be made in accordance with Rule 770-X-1-.16.

(e) The amount of the fee to be charged by the utility for testing meters upon written request of a customer shall be determined by the manufacturers’ designated rating, as follows:

1. Displacement meters (except rotary type) –

2. Meters having a rated capacity of 300 cubic feet per hour or less $20.00

3. Meters having a rated capacity of over 300 cubic feet per hour and not more than 600 cubic feet per hour............................................. $20.00

4. 4Meters having a rated capacity of over 600 cubic feet per hour and not more than 1500 cubic feet per hour............................................. $45.00

5. Meters having a rated capacity of over 1500 cubic feet per hour and not more than 3500 cubic feet per hour............................................. $85.00

6. Meters having a rated capacity of over 3500 cubic feet per hour $85.00

7. Orifice meters – all sizes........................................... $100.00

Rates for testing meters not included in the above classifications or which are so located that the cost is out of proportion to the fee specified, will be established by the Commission upon receipt of complete specifications.

(f) This rule shall not interfere with the practice of a utility with reference to its regular tests of meters, except that in the event of an application by a customer to the Commission for a test, the utility shall not knowingly remove, interfere with, or adjust the meter to be tested without the written consent of the customer and approval of the Commission.

(g) Installation Test – Each gas meter shall be in good order and shall be correct at all test rates of flow to within two (2) percent fast or slow before being installed provided, however, that in case of an emergency, a meter not meeting the requirements of this rule may be installed temporarily; and that any gas meter with a rated capacity of less than 500 cubic feet per hour and which is removed from service for a reason other than being defective and which has been in service less than five years since it was last tested may be installed at a different location without being tested for accuracy.

(h) Method of Determining the Accuracy of Small Meters – For the purpose of determining compliance with this rule, the registration of a displacement meter shall be determined by one test at a rate of flow of approximately one-fourth of its rated capacity (check flow) and by a second test at approximately the full rated capacity of the meter. The capacity of the meter for test purposes shall be the capacity at one-half (0.5) inch differential pressure. Prior to installation of a meter, the tests at the two rates of flow shall agree within two (2) percent. In determining compliance with this rule and for the purpose of computing adjustments, the check flow test may be considered as the accuracy of the meter. A utility may, at its option applicable to all of its small meters, consider the accuracy of a meter to be the algebraic mean of two errors found, one at check flow and one at capacity flow. If unusual conditions indicate that an unusual test rate of flow should be used, the test record must show the rate used.

(i) Meter Prover Required – All tests to determine the accuracy of any gas-service meter used to measure gas at standard distribution pressure shall be made with a bell type meter prover; unless, because of unusual capacity or construction of the meter, such method of test shall be considered impracticable, under which condition the test shall be made by some other method approved by the Commission.

(j) Methods of Testing Large Displacement Meters – All tests on displacement meters shall be made with approved testing apparatus. It is recommended that such meters be tested in their permanent locations on customers’ premises, whenever practicable. When critical flow provers, low pressure flow provers or transfer provers are used for making such tests, it is recommended that the accuracy be determined at two (2) or more rates of flow, ranging from twenty (20) percent of the rate capacity at one-half (0.5) inch differential pressure up to flow at maximum operating rate.

(k) In such tests, when testing with the critical flow prover, the meters shall be operated at a static pressure which approximates average operating static pressure. When similar tests are made with a low pressure flow prover, average operating pressure should be maintained on the meter under test and the prover operated at a range of low pressures required for such a prover. However, in installations where meters operating on pressures higher than standard service pressure are limited in their maximum operating dial rate so as to keep the differential pressure equal to or less than two (2) inches water column, low pressure flow prover tests may be run with low pressure on the meter. In the flow tests by either method the maximum dial rate should be such that it will ensure test being run at meter differential pressures equivalent to normal operating meter differential pressures in all cases. Where it is not practicable to test rotary displacement meters with a flow prover, they shall be inspected and tested by approved methods to determine whether they conform reasonably to the original factory test data.

(l) Method for Testing Orifice Meters – All tests on orifice meters shall be made with approved testing apparatus and in their permanent locations on the customer’s premises. The accuracy of the differential pressure registration shall be determined on a rising and falling pressure throughout the entire operating pressure range of the gauge. The accuracy of the static pressure registration shall be determined at the operating pressure.

(m) Methods for Determining the Accuracy of Orifice and Large Displacement Meters – In determining the accuracy of orifice and large displacement meters, the average of the errors determined at the various rates of flow at which the meter was tested shall be taken and shall be considered as its accuracy in determining compliance with this rule and for the purpose of computing adjustments; except where the rates of flow at which the meter has been registering in service can be definitely established, in which case the weighted average error shall be determined and used.

(n) Capping Meters – All incoming meters must be capped when removed from service and awaiting test. All meters that have been tested or are ready for installation must be capped and remain capped until installed.

History

• Author: Alabama Public Service Commission
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§37-1-32, 37-1-38, 37-1-52, 37-1-53.
• Effective January 1968. Amended October 1988. Filed with LRS February 5, 2013. Filed for Codification in the Alabama Administrative Code by the Alabama Public Service Commission on February 5, 2013, pursuant to the Code of Ala. 1975, §41-22-7.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 770-X-6-.08 Installation Of Service And Meters

(1) Displacement Meter – Every utility shall adopt standard methods for installing meters.

(2) Orifice Meters – All orifice meter settings shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with accepted good practice. (Accepted good practice at present is best indicated by the American Gas Association Measurement Committee Report No. 3, April 1955, as subsequently revised.)

(3) Service Connection – In connecting customer’s premises with its distribution mains, the utility shall furnish, install, and maintain the service line or connection according to the rules and regulations of its filed tariff.

History

• Author: Alabama Public Service Commission
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§37-1-32, 37-1-38, 37-1-52.
• Effective January 1968. Amended October 1988. Filed with LRS February 5, 2013. Filed for Codification in the Alabama Administrative Code by the Alabama Public Service Commission on February 5, 2013, pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975, §41-22-7.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 770-X-6-.09 Service From Production Of Transmission Lines

(1) Conditions of Service – Service to new customers directly from production or transmission lines which are not part of the distribution system from which customers are normally supplied shall be furnished under conditions stated in the utility’s tariff rules and regulations or as otherwise provided.

(2) Excess Pressure Protection – Where pressure from lines covered by this rule must be reduced to standard service pressure for use by the customer, the installation shall be provided with a protective device set to operate when the pressure reaches a predetermined level not in excess of twenty-one (21) inches water column, said device to be designed to prevent such excess pressure in the event of regulator failure.

History

• Author: Alabama Public Service Commission
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§37-1-32, 37-1-38, 37-1-52.
• Effective January 1968. Amended October 1988. Filed with LRS February 5, 2013. Filed for Codification in the Alabama Administrative Code by the Alabama Public Service Commission on February 5, 2013, pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975, §41-22-7.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 770-X-6-.10 Temporary Service

In the case of temporary service for short-term use, a utility may require the customer to pay all costs of making the service connection and removing the material after the service had been discontinued, or to pay a fixed amount in advance to cover such expenses provided. However, if the material is removed the customer shall be credited with the reasonable salvage which the utility shall receive on discontinuance of service.

History

• Author: Alabama Public Service Commission
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§37-1-32, 37-1-52.
• Effective January 1968. Amended October 1988. Filed with LRS February 5, 2013. Filed for Codification in the Alabama Administrative Code by the Alabama Public Service Commission on February 5, 2013, pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975, §41-22-7.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 770-X-6-.11 Safety

(1) Equipment and Facilities – Every utility shall at all times use every effort to properly warn and protect the public from danger and shall exercise all possible care to reduce the hazards to which employees, customers, and others may be subjected by reason of its equipment and facilities.

(2) The standards established in 49 CFR Parts 191 and 192 and amendments thereto shall be accepted as standards for construction and maintaining safe and adequate service.

(3) Leaks – Every utility shall make prompt investigation of each report of a gas leak to discover and correct any hazardous conditions.

History

• Author: Alabama Public Service Commission
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§37-1-32, 37-1-52, 37-4-82, 37-4-83.
• Effective January 1968. Amended October 1988. Filed with LRS February 5, 2013. Filed for Codification in the Alabama Administrative Code by the Alabama Public Service Commission on February 5, 2013, pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975, §41-22-7.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 770-X-6-.12 Suspension Of Gas Supply

(1) Upon Commission order, a gas distribution system shall suspend the gas supply to any gas pipeline system or applicable portion thereof:

(a) Upon a three-hour notice when any owner or controlling entity of a non-conforming gas pipeline system has been previously cited by the Commission for such non-conformance and has subsequently failed to bring such system into compliance within thirty day.

(b) Immediately, with notice as soon as practicable, whenever a Commission investigator discovers or verifies hazardous conditions existing in a pipeline system that create an immediate danger to human life or property.

History

• Author: Alabama Public Service Commission
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§37-1-32, 37-1-38, 37-4-82, 37-4-83.
• Effective January 1968. Filed with LRS February 5, 2013. Filed for Codification in the Alabama Administrative Code by the Alabama Public Service Commission on February 5, 2013, pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975, §41-22-7.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 770-X-6-.13 Filing Of Plans

All gas utilities as herein defined shall file with this Commission immediately an operating and maintenance plan which meets the requirements of 49 CFR 192.601, et seq., and an emergency plan that meets the requirements of 49 CFR 192.615. Furthermore, all gas utilities shall keep current the filings required herein by filing with the Commission within ten (10) days of adoption, any amendments, revisions, or substitutions of the filing required herein.

History

• Author: Alabama Public Service Commission
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§37-1-32, 37-1-38, 37-1-57, 37-4-82, 37-4-83.
• Effective October 1988. Filed with LRS February 5, 2013. Filed for Codification in the Alabama Administrative Code by the Alabama Public Service Commission on February 5, 2013, pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975, §41-22-7.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 770-X-6-.14 Pressure

(1) Monitoring Equipment – Each utility shall maintain on its distribution system an adequate number of recording gas-pressure gauges taking into consideration the number of customers supplied, the operating pressures, the capacity of the installation, and other operating conditions.

(2) Records – Each utility shall regularly make records with such recording gauges of the pressures in various parts of its distribution system. The charts of records thus obtained shall bear the date and place where the pressure was recorded and shall be available for inspection by the Commission for a minimum of three years.

History

• Author: Alabama Public Service Commission
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§37-1-32, 37-1-38, 37-1-52, 37-1-53.
• Effective May 2001. Filed with LRS February 5, 2013. Filed for Codification in the Alabama Administrative Code by the Alabama Public Service Commission on February 5, 2013, pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975, §41-22-7.