20160125_4889.pdf

DECISION MEMORANDUM
TO:COMMISSIONER KJELLANDER
COMMISSIONER RAPER
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON
COMMISSION SECRETARY
LEGAL
WORKING FILE
FROM:JOHNATHAN FARLEY
BATE:JANUARY 22,2016
RE:FORMAL COMPLAINT OF ERIC CONRAD
On December 27,2015,Eric Conrad filed a “formal”complaint (Attachment A)with the
Commission against Intermountain Gas Company (IGC).Mr.Conrad is unsatisfied with the
outcome of the Stalls efforts to informally resolve his complaint (Rules 2 1-24)and filed this
“formal”complaint.While building a home near Idaho Falls,IGC required Mr.Conrad to
purchase and install a meter protection structure at his own expense before the utility would
provide gas service at his residence.He was frustrated by his inability to obtain information
about the specific requirements for meter protection including technical design specifications for
meter protection structures.
In his letter to the Commission,Mr.Conrad requests:
a.Compensation of $220 for Gas Cover and $150 in Labor for installation +
$1,010.82 in construction loan interest because work had to be pushed off
inside the home because of no heat.
b.Review by PUC into Intermountain Gas Practices of requiring roofs over
gas meters in an inconsistent manner and with no public facing information
for owners or builders to know what is acceptable.
BACKGROUND
During the month of November 2015,Mr.Conrad was in the process of building a new
home.1-le had been in contact with IGC in order to establish service at the residence.Prior to
his initial interaction with IGC,Mr.Conrad’s contracted builder (J.B.Kay Construction)had
installed gas lines in the home and predetermined a location for the gas meter to be installed.
When Intermountain Gas came to Mr.Conrad’s residence to install a gas meter and
connect service,the Company allegedly determined that the eaves on the residence were too
DECISION MEMORANDUM 1 JANUARY 22,2016
narrow to protect the gas meter and that additional protection would be required prior to the
installation of the meter.Mr.Conrad then built a freestanding wooden structure that would
cover the meter when installed.Intermountain Gas allegedly determined that the wooden
structure was inadequate because it was not permanently affixed to the residence and was not
approved to meet snow load for the area by an engineer.
When Mr.Conrad contacted Intermountain Gas for technical specifications for building
snow covers,the Company provided the customer with photographs of protective measures
(Attachment B)and a copy of a form letter dated April 19,2012,that apparently had been sent to
builders,dealers and architects.The letter addressed the importance of safe meter locations and
the need for an engineered structure if a safe meter location could not be identified.None of the
materials provided by IGC had any technical specifications pertaining to what constitutes an
adequate structure for protecting a gas meter.
On November 13,2015,Mr.Conrad contacted the Staff and made an informal complaint.
When contacted by Staff.Intermountain Gas maintained that Mr.Conrad’s residence needed
additional protection for the meter due to the location of the meter and the narrow eaves on the
home.Mr.Conrad indicated to Staff that he had driven around Rexburg and noted that a number
of homes that had been built in 2015 did not have meter protection structures in place.
Intermountain Gas was unable to provide Staff with the specific criteria or standards used to
determine if additional meter protection is needed or any technical specifications for meter
protection structures.Intermountain Gas did provide the following:(1)excerpts from Title 49,
Part 192,Subpart H of the United States Code of Federal Regulations,(2)an excerpt from
Sections 409 &410 of the 2012 International Fuel Gas Code;(3)an excerpt from Intermountain
Gas’procedures for Siting Service Lines and A’feter Sets:and (4)photographic examples of
constructed and prefabricated meter protection structures1.Staff forwarded documents 1,2,&3
above (Attachment C)to Mr.Conrad.
Mr.Conrad subsequently installed a meter protection structure that satisfied the
Company’s expectations.
Staff notes that the CFR excerpt provided to staff is dated December 2008.The Commissions Safety and
Accidental Reporting Rules adopt by reference the 2011 edition of49 CFR Part 192.See Safety Rule 201,IDAPA
3 1 .11.01 .201.
DECISION MEMORANDUM 2 JANUARY 22,2016
STAFF QUESTIONS &CONCERNS
1.It appears the Company does not have any publications or other readily-available
written materiai or detailed specifications regarding what constitutes an acceptable meter
protection structure in areas where heavy or deep snow conditions exist.If such materials do
exist,please provide copies.
2.It does not appear that builders,contractors or others engaged in construction
activities are knowledgeable about Intermountain Gas Company’s meter protection requirements.
If such information is provided,please provide copies,identifying when,how and to whom the
information is provided.
3.What training is provided to Company employees to assure uniform and consistent
application of the Company’s meter protection requirements?
4.Staff notes that IGC Procedures,Section C.6.f,states that “IGC will provide
protection for meter sets when required.”See Attachment C3,p.4.To whom and in what
circumstances does this provision apply?
5.The Commission’s Safety and Accident Reporting Rules (IDAPA 31.11.01)adopt by
reference several national safety codes applicable to natural gas utilities and federal safety
regulations applicable to natural gas and pipeline utilities.Staff is concerned that the adopted
current editions of these codes and regulations are not made available to the Company’s
employees,customers and other interested parties.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Commission issue a summons to Intermountain Gas Company and
direct the Company to file a response to the Complaint and address Staffs questions below.
COMMISSION DECISION
Does the Commission wish to accept Mr.Conrad’s formal complaint?Does the
Commission wish to issue a summons?
-
.)Johnathan Farley “
/
Udmemos/Conrad Complaint dec memo
DECISION MEMORANDUM 3 JANUARY 22,2016
rfCCLI::DDecember2l5,2015
20150EC2$MI 9:LEricW.Conrad
2277 Hendricks Circle IDAHO ruTLC
Rexburg,ID 83440 UTILITIES COMMISSION
208-201-6692 --
e ricwcon ra d m a iI.com
Public Utility Commission Secretary
Jean Jewell
472 West Washington Street
P.O.Box83720
Boise,ID 83720-0074
Dear PUC:
Having held senior management positions at AT&T,US WEST,AIMCO and CB Richard Ellis I know that
working through the PUC is sometimes the only way to get the attention of large monopolistic
companies.
Per Rule 54 I am making a complaint on behalf of myself (Owner of new property at 2277 Hendricks
Circle)and all other new home owners in the counties of Freemont,Madison,Bonneville,Bingham and
Caribou counties who have been required to install snow covers for gas meters.
01)Respondent
a.Intermountain Gas Company
02)State the Facts
a.Intermountain Gas Company is requiring covers for gas meters inconsistently across
their coverage area.
b.No public facing information for owners or builders is available to understand what is
required to meet their requirements and to estimate the costs of such a requirement.
03)Applicable Provisions
a.After multiple inquiries to Intermountain Gas for clarification on what would be an
acceptable roof over the gas meter I contacted the PUC for help.An informal request
was made to Intermountain Gas by iohnathan Farley for clarification.Johnathan was
able to obtain IGC Procedures #4017 (Attached)and Part 192 Transportation of Natural
and other gas by Pipeline (Attached).Both of these documents are internal documents
to Intermountain Gas and are nowhere to be found in the public domain.
b.Procedures #4017 states the following:
i.“Protected by gutter or eave line if possible.”
N.“On the gable end if possible”
iii.“IGC will provide protection for meter sets when required.”
iv.“When heavy or deep snow conditions exist,a higher aspect meter set that
exceeds the height of a standard installation should be a consideration”
c.Part 192 states the following:
i.“Be rain and insect resistant”
ii.“Be protected from damage caused by submergence in areas where flooding
may occur”
Attachment A
Decision Memorandum
Page I of33
iii.“Each meter and each regulator must be installed so as to minimize anticipated
stresses upon the connecting piping and the meter.”
04)State the Relief Desired:
a.Compensation of $220 for Gas Cover and $150 in Labor for installation +$1,010.82 in
construction loan interest because work had to be pushed off inside the home because
of no heat.-
b.Review by PUC into Intermountain Gas Practices of requiring roofs over gas meters in an
inconsistent manner and with no public facing information for owners or builders to
know what is acceptable.
05)Process:I am willing to travel to Boise at my expense to testify or work through the PUC in
anyway the PUC deems necessary to fix this problem.
As Ever,
Eric W.Conrad
Attachment A
Decision Memorandum
Page 2 of33
PART 192 -TRANSPORTATION OF NATURAL AND OTHER GAS BY
PIPELINE:MINIMUM FEDERAL SAFETY STANDARDS
Subpart H—Customer Meters,Service
Regulators,and Service Lines
§192.351 Scope.
This subpart prescribes minimum re
quirements for installing customer meters,
service regulators,service lines,service line
valves,and service line connections to
maths.
[Pan 192-Org.,Aug.19,1970]
§192.353 Customer meters and regula
ton:Location.
(a)Each meter and service regulator,
whether inside or outside a building,must
be installed in a readily accessible location
an4 be protected from corrosion and other
damage,including,if installed outside a
buildinj vehicular damage that may be an
ticipated.However,the upstream regulator
in a series may.be buried.
(b)Each act-vice regulator installed
within a building must be located as near as
practical to the point of service line en-
france.
(c)Each meter installed within a build
ing must be located in a ventilated place and
not less than 3 feet (914 millimeters)from
any source of ignition or any source of heat
which might damage the meter.
(d)Where feasible,the upstream regula
tor in a series must be located outside the
building,unless it is located in a separate
metering or regulating building.
[Part 192 -Org.,Aug.19,1970,as amended
by Amdt.192-85,63 FR 37500,July 13,
1998;Amdt.192-93,68 FR 53895,Sept.
15,2003)
§192.355 Customer meters and regula
tors:Protection from damage.
(a)Protection from vacuum or back
pressure.If the customer’s equipment might
create either a vacuum or a back pressure,a
device must be installed to protect the sys
tem.
(b)Service regulator vents and relief
vents,Service regulator vents and relief
vents must terminate outdoors,and the out
door terminal must:
(1)Be rain and insect resistant;
(2)Be located at a place where gas from
the vent can escape freely into the almos-
phere and away from any opening into the
building;and,
(3)Be protected from damage caused by
submergence in areas where flooding may
occur.
(c)Pits and vaults.Each pit or vault that
houses a customer meter or regulator at a
place where vehicular traffic is anticipated,
must be able to support that traffic.
[Part 192-Org.,Aug.19,1970,as amended
byArndt.192-58,53 FR 1633,Jan.21,
1988]
§192.357 Customer meters and regula
tors;Installation.
(a)Each meter and each regulator must
be installed so as to minimize anticipated
stresses upon the connecting piping and the
meter.
(b)When close all-thread nipples are
used,the wall thickness remaining after the
threads are cut must meet the minimum
wall thickness requirements of this part.
(c)Connections made of lead or other
easily damaged material may not be used in
the installation of meters or regulators.
Revision 12/08 —Current thni 192-108 Attachment A
58/146 Decision Memorandum
Page 3 of 33
GAS PIPING INSTALLATIONS
409.2 Meter valve.Every meter shall be equipped with a
shutoff valve located on the supply side of the meter.
409,3 Shutoff valves for multiple-house line systems.
Where a single meter is used to supply gas to more than one
building or tenant,a separate shutoff valve shall be provided
for each building or tenant.
409.3.1 Multiple tenant buildings.In multiple tenant
buildings,where a common piping system is installed to
supply other than one-and two-family dwellings,shutoff
valves shall be provided for each tenant.Each tenant shall
have access to the shutoff valve serving that tenants
space.
4093.2 Individual buildings.In a common syslem serv
ing mnre than one building,shutoff valves shall be
installed outdoors nt each building.
409.33 Identification of shutoff valves.Each house line
shutoff valve shall be plainly marked with an identifica
tion tag attached by the instnller so that the piping systems
supplied by such valves are readily identified.
409.4 IMP regulator valves.A listed shutoff valve shall be
installed immediately ahead of each NIP regulator.
409.5 Appliance shutoff valve.Each appliance shall be pro
vided with a shutoff valve in accordance with Section
409.5.1,409.5.2 or 409.5.3.
409.5.1 Located within same room.The shutoff valve
shall be located in the same room as the appliance.The
shutoff valve shall be within 6 feet (1829 mm)of the
appliance,and shall be installed upstream of the union,
connector or quick disconnect device it serves.Such shut
off valves shall be provided with access.Appliance shut
off valves located in the firebox of a fireplace shall be
installed in accordance with the appliance manufacturer’s
instructions.
409.5.2 Vented decorative appliances and room heat
ers.Shutoff valves for vented decorative appliances,room
heaters and decorative appliances for installation in vented
fireplaces shall be permitted to be installed in an area
remote from the appliances where such valves are pro
vided with ready access.Such valves shall be permanently
identified and shall serve no other appliance.The piping
from the shutoff valve to within 6 feet (1829 mm)of the
appliance shall be designed,sized and installed in accor
dance with Sections 401 through 408.
409.5.3 Located at manifold.Where the appliance shut
off valve is installed at a manifold,such shutoff valve shall
be located within 50 feet (15 240 mm)of the appliance
served and shall be readily accessible and permanently
identified.The piping from the manifold to within 6 feet
(1829 mm)of the appliance shall be designed,sized and
installed in accordance with Sections 401 through 408.
409.6 Shutoff valve for laboratories.Where provided with
two or more fuel gas outlets,including table-,bench-and
hood-mounted outlets,each laboratory space in educational,
)research,commercial and industrial occupancies shall be pro
vided with a single dedicated shutoff valve through which all
such gas outlets shall be supplied.The dedicated shutoff
valve shall be readily accessible,located within the labora
2012 INTERNATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE’
tory space served,located adjacent to the egress door from
the space and shall be identified hy approved signnge stating
“Gas Shutoff.”
SECTION 410 (IFGC)
FLOW CONTROLS
410.1 Pressure regulators:A lin4ressure regulator shall be
installed where the opplia:ce is designed to operate at a
lower pressure than the supply pressure.Line gas pressure
regulators shall be listed as complying with ANSI Z2l.80.
Access shall be provided to pressure regulaturs.Pressure reg
ulators shall be procctccl from physical damage.Regulators
installed on the exterior of the building shall be upproi’ed for
outdoor installation.
410.2 NP regulators.MP pressure regulators shall comply
with the following:
1.The MP regulator shall be approved and shall be suit
able for the inlet and outlet gas pressures for the appli
cation.
2.The MP regulator shall maintain a reduced outlet pres
sure under lockup (no-flow)conditions,
3.The capacity of the MP regulator,determined by pub
lished ratings of its manufacturer,shall be adequate to
supply the appliances served.
4.The MP pressure regulator shall be provided with
access.\Vhcre located indoors,the regulator shall be
vented to the outdoors or shall be equipped with a leak-
Limiting device,in either case complying with Section
410.3.
5.A tee fitting with one opening capped or plugged shall
be installed between the MP regulator and its upstream
shutoff valve.Such tee fitting shall be positioned to
allow connection of a pressure-measuring instrument
and to serve as a sediment trap.
6.A tee fitting with one opening capped or pitigged shall
be installed not less than 10 pipe diameters downstream
of the ML’regulator outlet.Such tee fitting shall be
positioned to allow connection of a pressure-measuring
instrument.
410.3 Venting of regulators.Pressure regulators that require
a vent shall be vented directly to the outdoors.The vent shall
be designed to prevent the entry of insects,water and foreign
objects.
Exception:A vent to the outdoors is not required for regu
lators equipped with and labeled for utilization with an
approved vent-limiting device installed in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions.
410.3.1 Vent piping.Vent piping for relief vents and
breather vents shall be constructed of materials allowed
for gas piping in accordance with Section 403.Vent piping
shall be not smaller than the vent connection on the pres
sure regulating device.Vent piping serving relief vents
and combination relief and breather vents shall be run
independently to the outdoors and shall serve only a single
device vent.Vent piping serving only breather vents is
permitted to be connected in a manifold nrrangcment
Attachment A
Decision Memorandum 75
Page 4 of33
Home >Operations Procedures 3O00!4000]>DOT Required >Customer Meters,
Service Regulators and Service Lines >Siting Service Lines and Meter Sets 14017]
IGC PROCEDURES
DATE:01/31/05
TITLE:Siting Service Lines and Meter Sets
NUMBER:4017
REFERENCES I PURPOSE I SCOPE GENERAL I RESPONSIBILITY I
STANDARDS I SERVICE LOCATIONS I METER LOCATIONS I EXAMPLES
REFERENCES
Regulations
ICC General Service Provisions
49 CFR 192,351,353,355,357
Policy
501 Gas Delivery Pressure
Procedures
4019 Curb and Other Property Line Valves
4015 Upstream Regulation of High Pressure Service Lines (Farm Taps)
RoofTop Distribution System
9375 Service Line Installations
4026 P.E.Plastic Pipe System Design and Installation
PURPOSE
Attachment A
Decision Memorandum
--
-Pagesof3j
Provide proper guidelines for determining service line,meter set,and riser locations
and routes for the service line that are acceptable and safe under the General Service
Provisions and applicable safety,building codes and operating policies.
SCOPE
Applies to all Company personnel assigned the responsibility of selecting service line
routes and meter locations.
GENERAL
Service lines will be installed at the minimum total length necessary to conform with
Company requirements regarding meter set locations.
The criteria for service lines to be installed in conjunction with new mains is contained
in Procedure 9371 Plant Additions-Revenue.
When a service line cannot be located according to the requirements of this
Procedure,contact the Operations/Division/District Manager for instructions.
As described in Section A,Paragraph 12.9 of the General Service Provisions,a
second service line will be installed for a customer only when the second location is
justified and more than fifty (50)feet from the existing service line.See also
Rooftop Distribution Systems,and 9375,Service Line Installation.
Meter sets will be located along the wall of the structure least susceptible to future
building,fencing or
other additions.Residential meter sets will not be located in the rear of the dwelling,
unless circumstances are such that the rear of the dwelling is the most feasible and
desirable location available
(townhouses,alley distribution system,etc.).When a Service Line application shows
a rear meter location,an explanation of the conditions requiring such a location must
be included on the 512-A.This explanation will be reviewed and accepted by the
Marketing Manager and submitted to the Regional/Division/District Manager for
approval prior to installation of the service line.
RESPONSIBILITY
The Operations Managers are responsible for the administration of this Procedure.
Attachment A
Decision Memorandum
Page 6 of33
STANDARDS
A.Selecting Service Locations
1.Precautions to take regarding service locations
a.When possible,select a termination location for the service line
that is at least twelve inches (12”)from other underground
facilities,If it is a joint trench service line,ensure that the
service is installed according to joint trench specifications.
b.Do not wn plastic systems within the influencing area of any
system that radiates temperatures above 1000 F.If there is a
concern that this may occur,contact General Office
Engineering for necessary calculations,
2,When paralleling a foundation for more than five (5)feet,select a
location for the service line at least three (3)feet from the foundation,
whenever possible.If a basement has been excavated,and there
could be excessive soil settling,the service should be run outside of
the disturbed soil area.
3.Whenever paralleling a sidewalk or retaining wall and if possible,
select a location at least one (1)foot from the sidewalk and three (3)
feet from the retaining wall,when possible.
4.Select service line locations so that adjacent private property is not
crossed unless a properly executed right-of-way agreement is
obtained,
5.Whenever possible,avoid selecting line locations where the service
will pass under concrete slabs,carports or through retaining walls.
Avoid periodic maintenance areas over septic tanks,oil and gasoline
tanks etc.
6.Whenever possible install service line locations so that the service line
will run in a straight line from the stub or tee to the service line riser
location.
7.Consider possible future additions to the property and locate the
service so that it will not be built over or have the meter location fenced
in at a later date.
8.Any service lines running under a building will be encased.The casing
will be sealed and vented to the outside at the point where it enters the
building.Service lines will not be installed under a building without
Operations Manager approval.
C.Riser and Meter Set Locations
Position the riser and meter set in a readily accessible location.The meter
and meter stop must be easily accessed in case of emergencies and for routine
maintenance and meter reading.
When possible select a location outside an area that is,or may be fenced.
Attachment A
Decision Memorandum
Page 7 of33
1.The meter shall be located at the point on the structure:
a.As close to stub or main as possible.
fr trotected bjgufter or eave line if posthble
d.If main line is in the front of the structure;place riser as close
as possible to the front of the structure;however,the service
riser and meter shall be located at least 18”horizontally from
an electrical meter.(See Example 1)(Most common distance is
four (4)feet.)
e.If main line is behind the house;place the riser at the closest
point in the back of the structure maintaining the 1 8”horizontal
distance from the electrical meter or service panel.
1.Manifolds shall be located in the same manner as single meters and allow for
the required width for the number and size of the meters.If a stack manifold is
required,the upper portion shall be secured to the structure during installation.
1.When the meter and service regulator will be installed outside the building,
select location of service line riser to meet the following:
a ervice line nserwjhEe lo6átd a m’n,niiim octiv!inch
12roQthe building-and protcteg from arfttcipated
Where a main customer valve is used,an additional 3”to 4”
shall be needed for house line installation.Large meter sets
shall be sited as needed for clearance.
b.Do not locate under or in front of windows or other building
openings which may be used as emergency fire exits or under
interior or exterior stairways.
c.When the service line riser is on the driveway side of a
dwelling,at least three (3)feet of spacing between the
driveway and the building is necessary.Additional protection
will be provided,such as a meter guard.(See Example 5)
d.Where a service line riser is likely to be set in paving of any
kind,a short piece of two inch (2”)or larger P.E.pipe will be
used to sleeve the pipe at ground level.
e.When a meter is set outside a school,a permanently locked
fence or enclosure may be provided by the Company.
f;ICC iIl provideprotection for meter sets when required.
g.When locating a riser for a large meter set,adequate space
and access shall be provided to allow for normal maintenance
and testing.
1.Select location for service line and service line riser and meter set for large
commercial and industrial services to meet the following additional requirements:
Attachment A
Decision Memorandum
Page 8 of33
a.When the service line will parallel the foundation,a minimum of
five (5)feet clearance from the building will be maintained.
b.The meter will not be located directly underneath and will have
at least three (3)feet minimum horizontal clearance from an
electric panel,air intake or any equipment that could possibly
be a source of ignition.
c.Space requirements for large meter sets will be determined
from the meter set design.See specified or standard meter set
drawings.
d.When meters are set outside a school,a permanent locked
fence or enclosure may be provided by the Company.
e.When meters are set outside a church and extra security is
necessary,a permanent locked fence or enclosure,with SC
access,is to be provided by the customer.
When the meter and service regulator will be set inside the building,the
location for the service line riser will meet the following requirements:
NOTE:Written approval must be obtained from the Operations Manager for any
inside meter set.That approval must be attached to the asbuilt drawing on Form
512-A or 319.
a.The service line riser,meter stop and service line entrance into the building
will be as near as practicable to the meter and regulator location.
b.When possible,the service line riser and meter stop will be above ground
outside the building and the entrance of the service line into the building will be
above ground with a readily accessible outside shut-off valve.
c.Any service entrance into the building below ground will incorporate an
outside curbvalve and will be cased and the casing sealed at the points the
service line enters and exits the casing.The casing must be vented to the
outside atmosphere.
d.All regulators located inside a building must be located in a ventilated area
and not less than three feet from any source of ignition or heat which could
damage the meter.All inside regulators will be vented separately to the outside
of the structure and installed to prevent water buildup and entry of insects and
debris.
e.A meter and regulator installed in a recessed opening is considered an
outside meter set if the following conditions are met:
i.The recess has an exterior wall
N.The service line enters the recess above ground (over
the sill)
Ni.The recess is lined with fireproof and vapor-proof
material
1.Any service line riser cannot be located to meet the requirements of this
Procedure shall be referred to the OperationslDistrict Manager.
Attachment A
Decision Memorandum
Page 9 of33
NOTE:ICC will provide protective steel posts for the meter set,when required,where
no protection is provided by the customer.Adequate meter protection consists of
either the company approved meter guard,(Example 5)a two inch (2”)or four inch
(4”)diameter post,or a permanent protective wall.
1.No meter or service regulator will be located in a pit or vault.Contact the
Operations Manager for alternative locations.
1.When services and meters are on a rooftop system,see Procedure 4016
Rooftop Distribution Systems,for requirements.
1.Meters installed on manufactured housing where flex connectors are utilized
shall have the meter bar assembly stabilized by use of a meter bar support.
C.Riser and Meter Set Height
1.Standard installation height shall be achieved when the bottom of the stop
equals the height of foundation.(Caution should be taken to ensure the bury line on
the riser is not below future grade).(See Example 6)
2.Installation height of larger meters and meters installed on multilevel
foundations shall be accomplished by determining future grade according to building
specification.This may be determined by:
a.Contacting builder
b.Reviewing plans
a.Future grade indicators that exist or are apparent.
C.Riser and Meter Height -Heavy or Deep Snow Area’s
-Wheq heavy or de r o nditions exist”igher aspecmeter set that
eêêd1the height of stan_çJ 1lain should coñsidefalidh (See
,E*ánjp!&4)
2 •In deep snow areaso ing off the ro puldalsqbe considered a
damaging force.ShoW shields ha ethatailedif naç’.
If a safe rneterJocaiontan not b identified on a hor!ieocb,uitdiênpng!nQr?d4ructureIhaIllows:sJequateventilatiqn.snd !designe,to aet tl)e
potential snow lopd can be used to protect the meter and must be in plac,pnor to
eüichéihfràëtiVatêd.
4.If an engineered structure for meter protection is used,an engineer’s
signature will be needed approving the structure’s design and ability to protect the
meter from snow and ice.(See Example #7 Approval of Engineered Design for Meter
Protection.)This approval shall be signed and added to the asbuilt and added to
Scanned Images with the asbuilt
D.Regulator Venting Requirements
1.Regulators shall be installed vertically with the vent pointed downward
2.Regulators that cannot be installed with vent pointed downward shall have
additional vent piping installed to ensure downward venting
3.Vents will be screened or have caps installed to prevent entry of water,
insects,debris,or foreign objects
Attachment A
Decision Memorandum
Page 10o133
4.In high snow aspect areas vents will be extended to above the anticipated
snow level
5.Extended vent piping will be placed in such a position to prevent entry of
water,insects,debris,or foreign objects and protected from heavy snow or water run
off
6.Vent piping will be sized according to the size of the vent opening on the
regulator
7.Vent piping will be secured as necessary
8.If a meter set is located within three (3)feet of any air intake which is
permanently opened into a structure,the regulator will be vented remotely from the
area.Note:Windows,whether operable or non-operable,are not considered an air
intake.
9.Meter locations protected under roof valleys and eaves where run off due to
rain and snow may affect the regulator vent shall have the regulator vent piping
extended to a protected location
10.All inside regulators shall be vented separately to the outside of the structure
and installed to prevent water buildup and entry of insects and debHs
E.Meter Stop Valve Installation and Replacements
1.Service riser applications sized 3/4”through 2”(single meter and manifolds)
operating at 60 psig or less shall use a valve stop with an insulating union
incorporated in the body of the stop
2.Greater than 60 psig operating pressure -High pressure installations shall
require
a.Non insulated stop.
b.Insulation shall be obtained by one of the following:
i.Insulating union downstream of the secondary pressure
regulator
fl.Flange gasket insulators at the flanges (2)of a flanged
by-pass riser
2.Maintenance -In the course of performing maintenance to resolve leaking
spuds or to remediate cathodic protection issues at the meter set assembly,the
following actions should be performed where applicable:
a.Replace a non-insulated valve stop with an insulated valve stop,
b.Replace meter loop assembly with a pre fabricated meter loop incorporating
a customer valve in the meter loop and non-insulated spuds.
c.Replace a non-insulated valve stop with an insulated valve stop without a pre
fabricated meter loop when alignment with existing house piping is not feasible.
EXAMPLES
Attachment A
Decision Memorandum
Page II of33
EXAMPLE 1
Distance from Electrical Meter
EXAMPLE 2
Flex Riser
EXAMPLE 3
Support Assembly
EXAMPLE 4
High Aspect Riser
EXAMPLE 5
Meter Guard
EXAMPLE 6
Standard Meter Installation
EXAMPLE 7
Approval of Engineered Design for Meter Protection
4017-Siting Service Lines and Meter Sets
Attachment A
Decision Memorandum
Page 12of33
Qmail -Meter Protection Page 1 of 18
c:;riai Eric Conrad <[e-mail]>
Meter Protection
27 messages
Robinson,Sarah <SARAH.ROBINSDN©intgas.com>Thu,Nov 12,2015 at 4:47 PM
To:‘[e-mail]”<[e-mail]>
Per our telephone conversation,please see the attachments regarding meter protection.I have also attached some
examples of meter protection that has been approved in our area.
If you have further questions,please let tile know.
Thank You,
Sarah Robinson
Intermountain Gas Company
Operations Aide,Teton District
208-542-6616 (Phone)
208-542-6639 (Fax)
C n’
Sarah.Robinsonintgas.com (Email)
A JNTERMOUNTMN LI
GAS COMPANY C’n.‘-0
4:-
5 attachments
IMG_201 30925_I 55735_I 10.jpg
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Decision Memorandum
Page 13 o133
hups://mail.google.comJmajl/ulOfluj=2&ilc=dde5549800&vjew=pt&search=inbox&th=1 11/30/2015
Gmail -Meter Protection Page 2 of 18
ij Untitled (12).pdf
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photo.JPG
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photo (3).JPG
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Erie Conrad <[e-mail]>
To:Kami Conrad <[e-mail]>
[Quoted text hidden]
Thu,Nov 12,2015 at 4:53 PM
5 attachments
IMG_201 30925_I 55735_I 1O.jpg
667K
Attachment A
Decision Memorandum
Page 14 of 33
luntitiedl.Pdf
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Eric Conrad <ericwconradgmail.com>Thu,Nov 12,2015 at 9:58 PM
To:[e-mail],[e-mail]
Brent:I think!have uncovered something at Intermountain Gas that may not be illegal,but I definitely can
not find any information about the requirements of dog house roofs being OK’d by the PUC,I have been
on the Idaho Public Utilities Web site and can not find any information on this requirement,nor can I find
anywhere to lodge a complaint Can you direct me to someone at the PUC that I can speak with?
Long story short.lntermountain Gas is holding me hostage and not hooking my Gas meter up because
they require some type of cover over the gas meter.When I asked for clarification,I was sent the following
POF and pictures.No height or width requirements,etc.You will see in the letter that it is vague at best on
rules to follow.
‘3
I called lntermountain Gas out to install the meter over three weeks ago.They came out,left a voice mail
on my contractors phone (J.B.Kay and said they couldn’t install until the meter was covered.)We had
hoped the overhang was out far enough and when the gutter was on we would get approval.So,i called g
Intermountain Gas again to get clarification and ask them to come out and install the meter.They would :;
not install a Gas Meter until a shed was installed.So my contractor built a temporary shed to cover the
(Untitledj.pdf
870K
httns://mail.google.comlmail/u/0/?ui2&ikdde5549800&viewpt&searchinbox&th 1...11/30/2015
Gmail -Meter Protection Page 4 of 1$
area of the gas meter until we can get the rain gutters up.They came out today and did not install the gas
meter again,saying that I needed a “Permanent Covering”.
I called the Idaho Falls office of Intermountain Gas this afternoon to find out what exactly I needed.They
sent me the attached information.I read through it and found it very unprofessional in how they could hold
anyone to a standard with the required documents.I would expect if it was law,that they would reference
the law.If it was an internal requirement that they would have a spec sheet outlining how big the roof
should be over the gas meter,how high above the ground,etc.
I have to get gas,I have $30,000 in wood flooring that is going to fail because they will not provide gas until
I meet their demands.I finally relented and said I would have the contractor buy a prefabbed roof and get
it installed tomorrow.I asked to schedule another time to get the gas meter installed and they refused to
discuss even scheduling a time for an install until I could prove I had the roof installed.I assured them I
would have something installed,but at this point I worried if it would be everything they expected when I
could not find anything in writing that outlined all expectations.
Anyway,can you forward me to someone at the PUC that can help?Also a media person at the PUC,
because I think the public should be aware.I should have an interview tomorrow with Local News 8 lined
up by mid morning,they said they are very interested in doing investigative reporting like this.
Thanks,Eric
Forwarded message
From:Robinson,Sarah <SARAH.ROBINSONintgas.com>
Date:Thu,Nov 12,2015 at 4:47 PM
Subject:Meter Protection
To:“[e-mail]”<ericwconradgmail.com>
[Quoted text hiddeni
IMG_201 30925_155735_1 1O.jpg
667K
photo.JPG
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Attachment A
Decision Memorandum
Page 16of33
5 attachments
https://mail.google.corn/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ikdde5549800&viewpt&search=inbox&thl ...11/30/2015
Gmail -Meter Protection Page 5 of 18
Untitled (12).pdf
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Eric Conrad <ericwconradgmail.com>
To:“Robinson,Sarah”<SARAH.RO8lNSONintgas.com>
Cc:Jared Kay <[e-mail]>
Sarah:
Thu,Nov 12,2015 at 10:38 PM
Thanksfor sending this information and speaking with me this afternoon.I just wanted to insure I heard
you correctly this afternoon.I completely understand the gas company wanting to protect the meter from
ice build up.I have an overhang on my new residences.and will have gutters installed,but this is not
adequate per the attached document and your comments.You rnention overhangs that have been
approved,how were they approved and what was the criteria to approve them?
1)If an overhang s not adequate,the picture of the extended overhang you sent seems to meet
the requirement but no specifications are mentioned of what that overhang should be.
2)when I asked for clarification on the pictures you sent you said there are no specifications on height
(rpm ground,how large thp structure should be or any specifications other Than the required signature from
n engineer?What specifications is an engineer supposed to validate his design calculations against?
3)When I questioned why my dog roof that I put in place was not good enough for the gas meter,you said
itfleded tO be “permanent”and also stated that this is what it said in the technician notes.I can not find
anything in the information you sent me that uses the word permanent Although it does state it needs to
meet engineers snow load.
4)I have driven around Rexburg and have noted a number of homes that have been started and
completed construction this year that do not have dog house roofs.I am confused.Would you like the
addresses to verify my observations?
As you have required,I will call back once the prefab roof is in place,but can you clarify for my contractor
and myself how far above ground it is to be located?
Thanks,Eric Conrad
208.201.6692
[Quoted text hlddenj
Senator Brent Hill <bhillsenate.ldaho.gov>
To:Eric Conrad <ericwconradgmaiI.com>
Senator Brent Hill
FrI,Nov13,2015 at 8:54 AM
Attachment A
Decision Memorandum
Page 17 of33
[Untitledj.pdf
870K
hflnv//ninfl annole.r.nm/mnflhi/0/7iii=7&rik=dde5S4QRflfl&wjew=nt&senrch=jnhny&th=1...11/10/2015
borwarcea message
From:Robinson,Sarah <SARAH.ROBINSONintgas.com>
Date:Thu,Nov 12,2015 at 4:47 PM --
Subject:Meter Protection
To:“ericwconradgmail.com’<ericwconradgmail.com>
<imageOOl.jpg>
Per our telephone conversation,please see the attachments regarding meter protection.I have also
attached some examples ofmeter protection that has been approved in our area.
if you have further questions,please let me know.
Thank You,
Sarah Robinson
Tutermountain Gas Company
Operations Aide,Teton District
208-542-6616 (Phone)
208-542-6639 (Fax)
Sarah.Robinsonintgascom (Email)
<JmqgeOO2.png>
<IMG_201 30925_i 5573511 0.jpg><photo.JPG’<photo (3).JPG><[Unthled].pdPcUnUhled’
(1 2).pdf
https:I/maiLgoog1e.comImai1/&O/?uj=2&j1dde55498O0&vie=pt&searehnbox&th=1 ..11/30/2015
Attachment A
Decision Memorandum
Page l8of33
Gmail -Meter Protection Page 8 of 18
Eric Conrad <[e-mail]>
To:“Robinson,Sarah”<[e-mail]>
Thanks,will do.
[Quoted text hidden]
Fri1 Nov 13,2015 at 8:58 AM
Eric Conrad <ericwconradgmail.com>
To:johnathan.farlypuc,idaho.gov
Here you go,thanks for your call.
Forwarded message
From:Robinson,Sarah <SARAH.RO8lNSONintgas.com>
Date:Thu,Nov 12,2015 at 4:47 PM
Subject:Meter Protection
To:“ericwconradgmail.com”<ericwconradgmail.com>
[Quoted text hidden)
Fri1 Nov 13,2015 at 10:35 AM
5 attachments
IMG_201 30925_I 55735_Il 0.jpg
667K
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Attachment A
Decision Memorandum
Page 19of33
...-.c..IL./nIo..:_-,ii nnnni c
Ornail -Meter Protection Page 9 of 18
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postmastercio.idaho.gov <postmastercio.idaho.gov>Fri1 Nov 13,2015 at 10:36 AM
To:[e-mail]
-—The following addresses had delivery problems —
<johnathan.farly©pucidaho.gov>(5.3.4 Message size exceeds fixed maximum message size)
Forwarded message———
From:Eric Conrad <[e-mail]>
To:johnathan.farly©pucidaho.gov
Cc:
Date:Fri1 13 Nov2015 10:35:33 -0700
Subject:Fwd:Meter Protection
Here you go,thanks for your call.
Forwarded message
From:Robins
O noname.eml
3K
Eric Conrad <[e-mail]>Fri1 Nov 13,2015 at 10:36 AM
To:[e-mail]
Here is the e-mail I sent last night with my concerns.No response yet.
I also asked for her supervisor to call me,no response yet.
Thanks,Eric
fOucted text hiddenj
Johnathan Farley <Johnathan.Farleypuc.idaho.gov>Fri1 Nov 13,2015 at 10:44 AM
To:Eric Conrad <ericwconrad©gmail.com>
Hi Eric,
I have your received your email and will get on this issue.
All the best,
John
Attachment A
Decision Memorandum
Page 20 of3J
Giai1 -Meter Protection Page 10 of 18
From:Eric Conrad [mailto:[e-mail]]
Sent:Friday,November 13,2015 10:37 AM
To:Johnathan Fancy <JohnathanFanleypuc.idaho.gov>
Subject:Fwd:Meter Protection
IQuoted Iext hidden]
Eric Conrad <ericwconradgmail.com>
To:[e-mail]
Fri1 Nov 13,2015 at 10:54 AM
Todd:Let me know if you are interested in doing any investigative reporting on this,I can be reached at
208,201.6692.
Long story short,I have spoken with Brent Hill Senate Pro Temp President,PUC commissioner and
Johnathan Farley of the Consumer Protection Division about the requirement of these roofs over gas
meters that are now being required.Doesn’t look like anyone in Boise knows about this.Some
homeowners required and others not?No specifications on how to build them or where,sounds like SE
Idaho Management an lntermountain gas have gone rogue.
Thanks,Eric
Forwarded message
From:Robinson,Sarah <[e-mail]>
Date:Thu,Nov 12,2015 at 4:47 PM
Subject:Meter Protection
To:“enicwconradgmail.com”<enicwconradgmail.com>
[Quoled text hidden]
IMG_20130925_155735_1 IO.jpg
667K
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Attachment A
Decision Memorandum
Page 21 of33
0 I ._I_0.4,1._I
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II ——lnnnnn I 1/In/nAiC
Omail -Meter Protection Page 11 of 18
.;J.J -
Untitled (12).pdf
465K
Eric Conrad <[e-mail]>
To:johnathan.fadeypuc.idaho.gov
Fri1 Nov 13,2015 at 10:55 AM
Looks like you have a size limit.Ill do individually.
Forwarded message
From:Robinson,Sarah <SARAH.RQBINSONintgas.com>
Date:Thu,Nov 12,2015 at 4:47 PM
Subject:Meter Protection
To:“ericwconradgmail.com”<[e-mail]>
[Quoted text hidden]
[Untitledj.pdf
870K
Eric Conrad <[e-mail]>
To:johnathan.farleypuc.idaho.gov
A few pictures with no specs...
Forwarded message
From:Robinson,Sarah <[e-mail]>
Date:Thu,Nov 12,2015 at 4:47 PM
Subject:Meter Protection
To:“ericwconrad©gmail.com”cehcwconrad©grnaiLcom>
[Quoted text hidden]
Fri1 Nov 13,2015 at 10:57 AM
2 attachments
IMG_201 30925_155736_1 I O.jpg
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Attachment A
Decision Memorandum
Page 22 of 33
[Untitled].pdf
870K
Ghai1 -Meter Protection Page 12 of 18
photo (3).JPG
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Thanks,Eric.I received the pdf and the photos.
Best,
John
Fri,Nov 13,2015 at 11:00AM
From:Eric Conrad [mailto:ericwconradgmaN.comJ
Sent:Friday,November 13,2015 10:58 AM
To:Johnathan Farley <Johnathan.FarIeypuc.idaho.gov>
Subject:Fwd:Meter Protection
A few pictures with no specs...
[Quoted text hidden
Eric Conrad <[e-mail]>
To:Johnathan Farley <Johnathan.Farleypuc.idaho.gov>
Fri1 Nov 13,2015 at 6:24 PM
Any progress today?I have not had any response from my e-mail or phone call yesterday with
Intermountain Gas.I assume they are on lockdown in communicating with me?That doesn’t really help
my problem and even shows they are holding me hostage and stonewalling me even more.Great ethics
case.
Anyway,let me know.Thanks for your work.Eric
Attachment A
Decision Memorandum
Page 23 of33
Johnathan Farley <Johnathan.Farleypuc.idaho.gov>
To:Eric Conrad <[e-mail]>
I -‘I----”—I—-1!.In!o..:_’Ii /‘fl/’7fl1 S
Grnail -Meter Protection Page 13 of 18
[Quoted text hiddeni
Johnathan Farley <Johnathan.Fadeypuc.idaho.gov>Mon,Nov 16,2015 at 8:03 AM
To:Eric Conrad <[e-mail]>
Good Morning Eric,
When you open a complaint with the PUC,it is our protocol to have to company cease communication
with the customer.I should hear back from them today.
All the best,
Jo Fin
From:Eric Conrad [mailto:[e-mail]]
Sent:Friday,November 13,2015 6:25 PM
To:iohnathan Farley <Johnathan.FarTeypuc.idaho.gov>
Subject:Re:Meter Protection
JQuoed texi hiddenj
Eric Conrad <ericwconradgmail.com>Mon1 Nov 16,2015 at 8:07 AM
To:Johnathan Farley <Johnathan.Farleypuc.idaho.gov>
Cc:Jared Kay <[e-mail]>
Good to know.Thanks.Just need to figure out what needs to be done before my house freezes up.
Jared:FYI (Jared is my builder)
[Quoted text hddenJ
Johnathan Farley <[e-mail]>Mon1 Nov 16,2015 at 3:11 PM
To:Eric Conrad <[e-mail]>
Hi Eric,
Can you send me a picture of your meter placement and the overhang?
Thank you,
John
Attachment A
Decision Memorandum
Page 24 of 33
•Gffiail -Meter Protection Page 14 of 18
From:Eric Conrad [mailto:ericwconradgmail.com]
Sent:Monday,November 16,2015 8:08 AM
To:Johnathan Farley <[e-mail]>
Cc:Jared Kay <[e-mail]>
Subject:Re:Meter Protection
IQuoted Iext hidden]
Eric Conrad <[e-mail]>Mon,Nov 16,2015 at 5:14 PM
To:Johnathan Farley <Johnathan.Farleypuc.idaho.gov>
OK.Here are three examples that are in my subdivision that do not have dog house roofs,you can see
why I am confused.
[Quoted text hidden]
Examples of Gas Meters.docx
360K
Eric Conrad <ericwconradgmail.com>Mon,Nov 16,2015 at 5:21 PM
To:Johnathan Farley <JohnathanFarleypuc.idaho.gov’
Thanks for your help on this.Attached are two pictures of where my gas lines are run and awaiting meter.
Can you please send me the documentation that intermountain gas sent you and the location it can be
found in local domain for either consumer or builder?
Thanks,Eric
On Mon,Nov 16,2015 at 3:11 PM,Johnathan Farley <Johnathan.Farleypuc.idaho.gov>wrote:
[Quoted text hidden]
Conrad Residence.docx -
237K
Johnathan Farley <Johnathan.Farleypuc.idaho.gov>The,Nov 17,2015 at 10:40 AM
To:Eric Conrad <ericwconradgmail.com>
Hi Erk,
Attached you find the procedural documentation that was provided to me by lntermountain Gas.
Additionally,I have attached a letter that outlines the formal complaint procedure.Please do not hesitate
to email pr call me with any question5.
All the best,
Attachment A
John Decision Memorandum
Page 25 of33
GmaiI -Meter Protection Page 15 of 18
From:Eric Conrad [mailto:[e-mail]]
Sent:Monday,November 16,2015 5:21 PM
jQuoted text hidden]
[Quoted text hidden]
4 attachments
Procedure 4017.docx
26K
IFGC 410.1.pdf
1309K
192 Pipeline Safety Regulations.pdf
978K
Formal Complaint Procedure CONRAD E.doc
27K
Eric Conrad <[e-mail]>Tue Nov 17,2015 at 11:00 AM
To:Johnathan Farley <Johnathan.Farleypuc.idaho.gov>
Awesome,thanks for your help.I will definitely do the formal complaint,but will do so after Thanksgiving
and my gas is for sure on.Where is this information in the Public Domain?If Intermountain Gas is going
to hold consumers and contractors to rules and specifications that are not publicized,I believe that to be an
issue.
Thanks,Eric
[Quoted iext hidden)
Johnathan Farley <Johnathan.Farleypuc.idaho.gov>Tue,Nov 17,2015 at 11:27 AM
To:Eric Conrad <ericwconradgmail.com>
No problem.I completely understand your frustrations.Best of luck with the rest of your build!
Best,
John
From:Eric Conrad [mailto:[e-mail]]
Sent:Tuesday,November 17,2015 11:00 AM
To:Johnathan Farley <[e-mail]>Attachment A
Subject:Re:Meter Protection Decision Memorandum
Page 26 of33
[Quoted text hidden]
Eric Conrad <encwconrad@gmail,com>Tue Nov 17,2015 at 7:02 PM
To:“Robinson,Sarah”<[e-mail]>
Giñail -Meter Protection Page 16 of 18
Cc:Johnathan Farley <johnathan.farleypuc.idaho.gov>,Jared Kay <jaredjbkayconstmction.com>
Sarah:As you requested,my contractor has purchased and installed the pre-fabed meter protection.Can
you confirm if this will work before we attach it to the home?Can I get a meter set appointment
scheduled?
We are anxious to get gas on.
Thanks,Eric
On Thu,Nov 12,2015 at4:47 PM,Robinson,Sarah <SARAH.ROBINSONintgas.com>wrote:
[Ouated text Ndden]
2277 Hendricks Meter Cover.jpg
3547K
Hi Eric,
Wed,Nov 18,2015 at 9:14 AM
I am just waiting for my Supervisor to get out of a meeting so that I can have her take a look at this.I will let you
know ASAP.
Thank You,
Sarah Robinson
Intermountain Gas Company
Operations Aide,Teton District
208-542-6616 (Phone)
208-542-6639 (Fax)Attachment A
Decision Memorandum
Robinson,Sarah <SARAH.RQBINSONIntgas.com>
To:Eric Conrad <[e-mail]>
Sarah.Robinsonintgas.com (Email)Page 27 of 33
Gmail -Meter Protection Page 27 of 18
A INTERMOUNTMN
fl GAS COMPANY
A $a.iwanan anit
From:Eric Conrad [mailto:ericwconrad@gmaiLcom]
Sent:Tuesday,November 17,2015 7:02 PM
To:Robinson,Sarah
Cc:ichnathan Farley;Jared Kay
Subject:Re:Meter Protection
This is an EXTERNAL email.Exercise caution.
[Quoted text hidden]
Robinson,Sarah <[e-mail]>Wed!Nov 18.2015 at 10:39 AM
To:Eric Conrad <[e-mail]>
1 just spoke to my Supervisor and it is hard to tefl from the picLure if the meter protection covers the regulator.We are
sending a Service Tech out to look at it and will let you know ASAP.
Thanks,
Sarah Robinson
Intermountain Gas Company
Operations Aide,Teton District
208-542-6616 (Phone)
208-542-6639 (Fax)
Sarah.Robinsonintgas.com (Email)
Attachment A
Decision Memorandum
Page 28 ofJ3
•Gthail -Meter Protection Page 18 of 18
A INThRMOIMIMNrGASCOMPANY
AStVIOF%iqr Dc
From:Eric Conrad [mailto:ericwconradgmail.com]
Sent:Tuesday,November 17,2015 7:02 PM
To:Robinson,Sarah
Cc:Johnathan Farley;Jared Kay
Subject:Re:Meter Protection
***This is an EXTERNAL email.Exercise caution.
Sarah:As you requested,my contractor has purchased and installed the pre4abed meter protection.Can
you confirm if this wiJI wDrk before we attach it to the home?Can I get a meter set appointment
scheduled?
[Quoted text hiddenj
jQuoted texi hidden]
Eric Conrad <edcwconradgmaiI.com>Wed,Nov 18,2015 at 10:56 AM
To:“Robinson Sarah”<SARAH.ROBINSCN©intgas.com’
Thanks.
lQuoted text hidden]
Attachment A
Decision Memorandum
Page 29 of33
n ‘nfl r
A INTERMOUNTAIN
flGAS COMPANY
ASusidia0/ofMDL)Resc’ns &v,Uc
1527 HOLLIPARK DR.•P.O.BOX 51220 •IDAHO FALLS,ID 83405-1 220
[phone] •FPX(208)542-6639
www.intgas.com
April 19,2012
XYZ Builder or Dealer or Architect
Builder or Dealer Business Name
Address
Town,Idaho ZIP
Dear XYZ,
Thank you for your support and selection in using Natural Gas for your buildings energy needs.
We enjoy ourJoint partnership in providing safe,efficient and the best energy value,Natural Gas,
to our mutual customers.
It has always been a priority for Intermountain Gas Company to comply with federal,state and
local jurisdictional codes,as well as [he manufacturers recommendations concerning the safety
of the Natural Gas metering system.Intermountain Gas Company will ensure the ongoing safe
operation to you and our mutual customers through enforcement of meter sel locations in such a
manner and location to comply with appropriate codes.
For example,meter locaUons can not be located under roof valleys and eaves where run off due
to rain and snow may affect the meter set.Meter locations on any TMgable”end of the homes roof
line that provides protection from any rain and snow run off or other possible hazards will be
allowed.
If a safe meter location can not be identified on a home or building,an engineered structure that
allows adequate ventilation and is designed to meet the potential snow load can be used to -
protect the meter and must be in place prior to service being activated.
If an engineered structure is used,an engineers signature will be needed approving the
structure’s design and ability to protect the meter from snow and ice,
Please contact the Customer Sales Representative in your area for further details or if you have
any questions.
Again,thank you for your support!
Sincerely,
Ten TeNgaio
Teton District Manager
cc:file
Attachment A
Decision Memorandum
Page 30 of33
Intermountain Gas Company
Approval of Engineered Design for Meter Protection.
I hereby certify that the structure being installed over and around the meter set at
____________________________________
(Address),
_______________________
(Town),Idaho:
for
________________________________________________
(Customer)will ventilate any gas
from the regulator and will withstand the anticipated snow and ice loads that may occur
at this address.
Signed:
Customer/or BuiLder Date
Engineer Date
Attachment A
Decision Memorandum
Page 31 of33
Gas Meter on South side of home,
gutters in place.
Attachment A
Decision Memorandum
Page 32 of 33
Gas Meter on East side of new home
built this summer,no gutters,you can
see splash near meter.Approved.
Gas Meter on South East side of new
home built this summer.
Attachment A
Decision Memorandum
Page 33 of33
2277 Hendrick5 Circle,Gas Placement
on North Side of home,away from
wind and drifts.Gutters to be
installed in two weeks
2277 Hendricks Circle,Gas Placement
on North Side of home,away from
wind and drifts that come from SE.
Gutters to be installed in two weeks
Attachment B
Decision Memorandum
Page I of2
Attachment B
Decision Memorandum
Page 2 of 2
PART 192 -TRANSPORTATION OF NATURAL AND OTHER GAS BY
PIPELINE:MINIMUM FEDERAL SAFETY STANDARDS
Subpart H—Customer Meters,Service
Regulators,and Service Lines
§192.351 Scope.
This subpart prescribes minimum re
quirements for installing customer meters,
service regulators,service lines,service line
valves,and service line connections to
maths.
[Part 192-Org.,Aug.19,1970]
§192.353 Customer meters and regula
tors:Location.
(a)Each meter and service regulator,
whether inside or outside a building,must
be installed in a readily accessible location
and be protected from corrosion and other
damage,including,if installed outside a
building,vehicular damage that may be an
ticipated.However,the upstream regulator
in a series may be buried.
(b)Each service regulator installed
within a building must be located as near as
practical to the point of service line en
trance.
(c)Each meter installed within a build
ing must be located in a ventilated place and
not less than 3 feet (914 millimeters)from
any source of ignition or any source of heat
which might damage the meter.
(d)Where feasible,the upstream regula
tor in a series must be located outside the
building,unless it is located in a separate
metering or regulating building.
[Part 192-Org.,Aug.19,1970,as amended
by Amdt.192-85,63 FR 37500,July 13,
1998;Amdt.192-93,68 FR 53895,Sept
15,2003]
§192.355 Customer meters and regula
tors:Protection from damage.
(a)Protection from vacuum or back
pressure.If the customer’s equipment might
create either a vacuum or a back pressure,a
device must be installed to protect the sys
tem.
(b)Service regulator vents and relief
vents.Service regulator vents and relief
vents must terminate outdoors,and the out
door terminal must:
(1)Be rain and insect resistant;
(2)Be located at a place where gas from
the vent can escape freely into the afrnos
phere and away from any opening into the
building;and,
(3)Be protected from damage caused by
submergence in areas where flooding may
occur.
(c)Pits and vaults.Each pit or vault that
houses a customer meter or regulator at a
place where vehicular traffic is anticipated,
must be able to support that traffic.
[Part 192-Org.,Aug.19,1970,as amended
byAmdt,192-58,53 FR 1633,Jan.21,
1988]
§192.357 Customer meters and regula
tors:Installation.
(a)Each meter and each regulator must
be installed so as to minimize anticipated
stresses upon the connecting piping and the
meter.
(b)When close all-thread nipples are
used,the wall thickness remaining after the
threads are cut must meet the minimum
wall thickness requirements of this part.
(c)Connections made of lead or other
easily damaged material may not be used in
the installation of meters or regulators.
Attachment CI
58/146 Decision MemorandumRevision12J08—Cuuent thm 192-108
GAS PIPING INSTALLATIONS
409.2 Meter valve.Every meter shall be equipped with a
shutoff valve located on the supply side of the meter.
409.3 Shutoff valves for multiple-house line systems.
Where a single meter is used to supply gas to more than one
building or tenant,a separate shutoff valve shall be provided
for each building or tenant.
409.11 Multiple tenant buildings.In multiple tenant
buildings,where a common piping system is installed to
supply other than one-and two-family dwellings,shutoff
valves shall be provided for each tenant.Each tenant shall
have access to the shutoff valve serving that tenant’s
space.
409.3.2 Individual buildings.In a common system serv
ing more than one building,shutoff valves shall be
installed outdoons at each building.
409.3.3 Identification of shutoff valves.Each house line
shutoff valve shall he plainly marked with an identifica
tion tag attached by the installer so that the piping systems
supplied by such valves are readily identified.
409.4 MP regulator valves.A listed shutoff valve shall be
installed immediately ahead of each MP regulator.
409.5 Appliance shutoff valve.Each appliance shall be pro
vided with a shutoff valve in accordance with Section
409,5.1,409.5.2 or 409,5,3.
409.5.1 Located within same room.The shutoff valve
shall be located in the same room as the appliance.The
shutoff valve shall be within 6 feet (1829 mm)of the
appliance,and shall be installed upstream of the union,
connector or quick disconnect device it serves.Such shut
off valves shall be provided with access.Appliance shut
off valves lacated in the firebox of a fireplace shall be
installed in accordance with the appliance manufacturer’s
in stttctons.
409.5.2 Vented decorative appliances and room heat
ers.Shutoff valves for vented decorative appliances,room
heaters and decorative appliances for installation in vented
fireplaces shall be permitted to be installed in an area
remote from the appliances where such valves are pro
vided with ready access.Such valves shall he permanently
identified and shall serve no other appliance.The piping
from the shutoff valve to within 6 feet (1829 aim)of the
appliance shall be designed,sized and installed in accor
dance with Sections 401 through 408.
409.5.3 Located at manifold.‘here the appliance shut
off valve is installed at a manifold,such shutoff valve shall
be located within 50 feet (15 240 mm)of the appliance
served and shall be readily accessible and permanently
identified.The piping from the manifold to within 6 feet
(1829 mm)of the appliance shall be designed,sized and
installed in accordance with Sections 401 through 408.
409.6 Shutoff valve for laboratories.Where provided with
two or more fuel gas outlets,including table-,bench-and
hood-mounted outlets,each laboratory space in educational.
research,commercial and indnstrial occupancies shall be pro
vided with a single dedicated shutoff valve through which all
such gas outlets shall he supplied.The dedicated shutoff
valve shall be readily accessible,located within the labora
tory space served,located adjacent to the egress door from
the space and shall be identified by approved signage stating
“Gas Shutoff.”
SECTION 410 (IFGC)
FLOW CONTROLS
110.1 Presstire regttlators.A line pressure regulator shall he
installed where the ipplhn c is designed to operate at a
lower pressure than the stppl’pressure.Line gas pressure
regttlators shall he !isrcd as conml’inc with ANSI Z2 ISO.
At’ccs.’shall he pnivitied to pressure regulators.Pressure reg
ulators shall he protected front physical damage.Regtilators
in%talled on the exterior of the htiildInc shall be approved for
outdoor installation.
410.2 MP regalators.Ml’pressure regulators shall comply
with the following:
I.The MP regulator shall be approved and shall be suit
able for the inlet and outlet gas pressures for the appli
cation.
2.The MP regulator shall maintain a reduced outlet pres
sure under lockup (no-flow)conditions.
3.The capacity of the MP regulator,determined by pub
lished ratings of its manufacturer,shall be adequate to
supply the appliances served.
4.The MP pressure regulator shall be pravided with
access.Where located indoors,the regulator shall be
vented to the outdoors or shall be eqttipped with a leak-
limiting device,in either case complying with Section
410.3.
5.A tee fitting with one opening capped or plugged shall
be installed between the NIP regulator and its upstream
shutoff valve.Such tee fitting shall be positioned to
allow connection of a pressure-measuring instrument
and to serve as a sediment trap.
6.A tee fitting with one opening capped or plugged shall
be installed not less than 10 pipe diameters downstream
of the NIP regulator outlet.Such tee fitting shall be
positioned to allow connection of a pressure-measuring
instrument.
410.3 Venting of regulators.Presstire regulators that require
a vent shall be vented directly to the outdoors.The vent shall
be designed to prevent the entry of insects,water and foreign
objects.
Exception:A vent to the outdoors is not requited for regu
lators equipped with and labeled for utilization with an
approved vent-limiting device installed in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions.
4103J Vent piping.Vent piping for relief vents and
breather vents shall be constructed of materials allowed
for gas piping in accordance with Section 403.Veat piping
shall be not smaller than the vent cnnnection on the pres
sure regulating device.Vent piping serving relief vents
and combination relief and breather vents shall be run
independently to the outdoors and shall serve only a single
device vent.Vent piping serving only breather vents is
pernutted to he connected in a manifold arrangement
Attachment C2
Decision Memorandum 72012INTERNATIONALFUELGASCODE’
Home>Operations Procedures 13000/4000]>DOT Reguired>Customer Meters.
Service Regulators and Service Lines>Siting Service Lines and Meter Sets [4017]
ICC PROCEDURES
DATE:01/31/05
TITLE:Siting Service Lines and Meter Sets
NUMBER:4017
REFERENCES I PURPOSE SCOPE I GENERAL I RESPONSIBILITY I
STANDARDS I SERVICE LOCATIONS I METER LOCATIONS I EXAMPLES
REFERENCES
Regulations
IGC General Service Provisions
49 CFR 192,351,353,355,357
Policy
501 Gas Delivery Pressure
Procedures
4019 Curb and Other Property Line Valves
4015 Upstream Regulation of High Pressure Service Lines (Farm Taps)
4016 RoofTop Distribution System
9375 Service Line Installations
4026 P.E.Plastic Pipe System Design and Installation
PURPOSE
Attachment C3
Decision Memorandum
Page 1 of S
Provide proper guidelines for determining service line,meter set,and riser locations
and routes for the service line that are acceptable and safe under the General Service
Provisions and applicable safety,building codes and operating policies.
SCOPE
Applies to all Company personnel assigned the responsibility of selecting service line
routes and meter locations.
GENERAL
Service lines will be installed at the minimum total length necessary to conform with
Company requirements regarding meter set locations.
The criteria for service lines to be installed in conjunction with new mains is contained
in Procedure 9371 Plant Additions-Revenue.
When a service line cannot be located according to the requirements of this
Procedure,contact the Operations/Division/District Manager for instructions.
As described in Section A,Paragraph 12,9 of the General Service Provisions,a
second service line will be installed for a customer only when the second location is
justified and more than fifty (50)feet from the existing service line.See also 4016!
Rooftop Distribution Systems,and 9375,Service Line Installation.
Meter sets will be located along the waN of the structure least susceptible to future
building,fencing or
other additions.Residential meter sets will not be located in the rear of the dwelling,
unless circumstances are such that the rear of the dwelling is the most feasible and
desirable location available
(townhouses,alley distribution system,etc.).When a Service Line application shows
a rear meter location,an explanation of the conditions requiring such a location must
be included on the 512-A.This explanation will be reviewed and accepted by the
Marketing Manager and submitted to the Regional/Division/District Manager for
approval prior to installation of the service line,
RESPONSIBILITY
The Operations Managers are responsible for the administration of this Procedure.
Attachment C3
Decision Memorandum
Page 2 of 8
STANDARDS
A.Selecting Service Locations
1.Precautions to take regarding service locations
a.When possible,select a termination location for the service line
that is at least twelve inches (12”)from other underground
facilities.If it is a joint trench service line,ensure that the
service is installed according to joint trench specifications.
b.Do not run plastic systems within the influencing area of any
system that radiates temperatures above 1000 F.If there is a
concern that this may occur,contact General Office
Engineering for necessary calculations.
2.When paralleling a foundation for more than five (5)feet,select a
location for the service line at least three (3)feet from the foundation,
whenever possible.If a basement has been excavated,and there
could be excessive soil settling,the service should be run outside of
the disturbed soil area.
3.Whenever paralleling a sidewalk or retaining wall and if possible,
select a location at least one (1)foot from the sidewalk and three (3)
feet from the retaining wall,when possible.
4.Select service line locations so that adjacent private property is not
crossed unless a properly executed right-of-way agreement is
obtained.
5.Whenever possible,avoid selecting line locations where the service
will pass under concrete slabs,carports or through retaining
walls.Avoid periodic maintenance areas over septic tanks,oil and
gasoline tanks etc.
6.Whenever possible install service line locations so that the service line
will run in a straight line from the stub or tee to the service line riser
location.
7.Consider possible future additions to the property and locate the
service so that it will not be built over or have the meter location fenced
in at a later date.
8.Any service lines running under a building will be encased.The casing
will be sealed and vented to the outside at the point where it enters the
building.Service lines will not be installed under a building without
Operations Manager approval.
C.Riser and Meter Set Locations
2.Position the riser and meter set in a readily accessible location.The meter
and meter stop must be easily accessed in case of emergencies and for routine
maintenance and meter reading.
3.When possible,select a location outside an area that is,or may be fenced.
Attachment C3
Decision Memorandum
Page 3 of 8
4.The meter shall be located at the point on the structure:
a.As close to stub or main as possible.
b.Protected by gutter or eave line if possible.
c.On the gable end if possible.
d.If main line is in the front of the structure;place riser as close
as possible to the front of the structure;however,the service
riser and meter shall be located at least 18”horizontally from
an electrical meter.(See Example 1)(Most common distance is
four (4)feet.)
e.If main line is behind the house;place the riser at the closest
point in the back of the structure maintaining the 18”horizontal
distance from the electrical meter or service panel.
5.Manifolds shall be located in the same manner as single meters and allow for
the required width for the number and size of the meters.If a stack manifold is
required,the upper portion shall be secured to the structure during installation.
6.When the meter and service regulator will be installed outside the building,
select location of service line riser to meet the following:
a.Service line riser will be located a minimum of twelve inches
(12”)from the building and protected from anticipated traffic,
possible flooding and other sources of damage.
Where a main customer valve is used,an additional 3”to 4”
shall be needed for house line installation.Large meter sets
shall be sited as needed for clearance.
b.Do not locate under or in front of windows or other building
openings which may be used as emergency fire exits or under
interior or exterior stairways.
c.When the service line riser is on the driveway side of a
dwelling,at least three (3)feet of spacing between the
driveway and the building is necessary.Additional protection
will be provided,such as a meter guard.(See Example 5)
d.Where a service line riser is likely to be set in paving of any
kind,a short piece of two inch (2”)or larger P.E.pipe will be
used to sleeve the pipe at ground level.
e.When a meter is set outside a school,a permanently locked
fence or enclosure may be provided by the Company.
f.IGC will provide protection for meter sets when required.
g.When locating a riser for a large meter set,adequate space
and access shall be provided to allow for normal maintenance
and testing.
7.Select location for service line and service line riser and meter set for large
commercial and industrial services to meet the following additional requirements:
Attachment C3
Decision Memorandum
Page 4 of 8
a.When the service line will parallel the foundation,a minimum of
five (5)feet clearance from the building will be maintained.
b.The meter will not be located directly underneath and will have
at least three (3)feet minimum horizontal clearance from an
electric panel,air intake or any equipment that could possibly
be a source of ignition.
c.Space requirements for large meter sets will be determined
from the meter set design.See specified or standard meter set
drawings.
d.When meters are set outside a school,a permanent locked
fence or enclosure may be provided by the Company.
e.When meters are set outside a church and extra security is
necessary,a permanent locked fence or enclosure,with IGC
access,is to be provided by the customer.
8.When the meter and service regulator will be set inside the building,the
location for the service line riser will meet the following requirements:
6.NOTE:Written approval must be obtained from the Operations Manager for any
inside meter set.That approval must be attached to the asbuilt drawing on Form
512-A or 319.
•The service line riser,meter stop and service line entrance into the building
will be as near as practicable to the meter and regulator location.
a.When possible,the service line riser and meter stop will be above ground
outside the building and the entrance of the service line into the building will be
above ground with a readily accessible outside shut-off valve.
b.Any service entrance into the building below ground will incorporate an
outside curbvalve and will be cased and the casing sealed at the points the
service line enters and exits the casing.The casing must be vented to the
outside atmosphere.
c.All regulators located inside a building must be located in a ventilated area
and not less than three feet from any source of ignition or heat which could
damage the meter.All inside regulators will be vented separately to the outside
of the structure and installed to prevent water buildup and entry of insects and
debris.
d.A meter and regulator installed in a recessed opening is considered an
outside meter set if the following conditions are met:
v.The recess has an exterior wall
vi.The service line enters the recess above ground (over
the sill)
vii.The recess is lined with fireproof and vapor-proof
material
8.Any service line riser cannot be located to meet the requirements of this
Procedure shall be referred to the Operations/District Manager.
Attachment C3
Decision Memorandum
Page 5 of8
NOTE:IGC will provide protective steel posts for the meter set,when required,where
no protection is provided by the customer.Adequate meter protection consists of
either the company approved meter guard,(Example 5)a two inch (2’)or four inch
(4’)diameter post,or a permanent protective wail.
9.No meter or service regulator will be located in a pit or vault.Contact the
Operations Manager for alternative locations.
10.When services and meters are on a rooftop system,see Procedure 4016
Rooftop Distribution Systems,for requirements.
11.Meters installed on manufactured housing where flex connectors are utilized
shall have the meter bar assembly stabilized by use of a meter bar support.
C.Riser and Meter Set Height
0.Standard installation height shall be achieved when the bottom of the stop
equals the height of foundation.(Caution should be taken to ensure the bury line on
the riser is not below future grade).(See Example 6)
1.Installation height of larger meters and meters installed on multilevel
foundations shall be accomplished by determining future grade according to building
specification.This may be determined by:
a.Contacting builder
b.Reviewing plans
c.Future grade indicators that exist or are apparent.
C.Riser and Meter Height -Heavy or Deep Snow Area’s
0.When heavy or deep snow conditions exist,a higher aspect meter set that
exceeds the height of a standard installation should be a consideration.(See
Example 4)
1.In deep snow areas,snow sliding off the roof should also be considered a
damaging force,Snow shields shall be installed if necessary.
2.If a safe meter location can not be identified on a home or building,an
engineered structure that allows adequate ventilation and is designed to meet the
potential snow load can be used to protect the meter and must be in place prior to
service being activated.
3.If an engineered structure for meter protection is used,an engineer’s
signature will be needed approving the structure’s design and ability to protect the
meter from snow and ice.(See Example #7 Approval of Engineered Design for Meter
Protection.)This approval shall be signed and added to the asbuilt and added to
Scanned images with the asbuilt
D.Regulator Venting Requirements
0.Regulators shall be installed vertically with the vent pointed downward
1.Regulators that cannot be installed with vent pointed downward shall have
additional vent piping installed to ensure downward venting
2.Vents will be screened or have caps installed to prevent entry of water,
insects,debris,or foreign objects
Attachment C3
Decision Memorandum
Page 6 of 8
3.In high snow aspect areas vents will be extended to above the anticipated
snow level
4.Extended vent piping will be placed in such a position to prevent entry of
water,insects,debris,or foreign objects and protected from heavy snow or water run
off
5.Vent piping will be sized according to the size of the vent opening on the
regulator
6.Vent piping will be secured as necessary
7.If a meter set is located within three (3)feet of any air intake which is
permanently opened into a structure,the regulator will be vented remotely from the
area.Note:Windows,whether operable or non-operable,are not considered an air
intake.
8.Meter locations protected under roof valleys and eaves where run off due to
rain and snow may affect the regulator vent shall have the regulator vent piping
extended to a protected location
9.All inside regulators shall be vented separately to the outside of the structure
and installed to prevent water buildup and entry of insects and debris
E.Meter Stop Valve Installation and Replacements
0.Service riser applications sized 3h”through 2”(single meter and manifolds)
operating at 60 psig or less shall use a valve stop with an insulating union
incorporated in the body of the stop
1.Greater than 60 psig operating pressure -High pressure installations shall
require
a.Non insulated stop.
b.Insulation shall be obtained by one of the following:
I.Insulating union downstream of the secondary pressure
regulator
ii.Flange gasket insulators at the flanges (2)of a flanged
by-pass riser
2.Maintenance -In the course of performing maintenance to resolve leaking
spuds or to remediate cathodic protection issues at the meter set assembly,the
following actions should be performed where applicable:
Replace a non-insulated valve stop with an insulated valve stop,
a.Replace meter loop assembly with a pre fabricated meter loop incorporating
a customer valve in the meter loop and non-insulated spuds.
b.Replace a non-insulated valve stop with an insulated valve stop without a pre
fabricated meter loop when alignment with existing house piping is not feasible.
EXAMPLES
Attachment C]
Decision Memorandum
Page 7 of 8
EXAMPLE 1
Distance from Electrical Meter
EXAMPLE 2
Flex Riser
EXAMPLE 3
Support Assembly
EXAMPLE 4
High Aspect Riser
EXAMPLE 5
Meter Guard
EXAMPLE 6
Standard Meter Installation
EXAMPLE 7
Approval of Engineered Design for Meter Protection
4017 -Siting Service Lines and Meter Sets
Attachment C3
Decision Memorandum
Page 8 of 8