reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 400 - ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR SUBSIDIZED MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENCES › Section 407-400-4 - MANDATORY COMPLIANCE

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. Applicability
The standards specified in this rule apply only to those
				  subsidized multi-family residences for which a waiver has been granted
				  permitting the installation of a primary electric heating system. All other
				  subsidized multi-family residences shall comply with the mandatory energy
				  efficiency standards prescribed in 10 MRSA, Chapter 214 which apply to all
				  other multi-family residences, regardless of funding sources.
B. Multiple occupancy
When a building contains more than one type of occupancy,
				  such as, but not limited to, residential and commercial, then each portion of
				  the building shall conform to the requirements for the type of occupancy
				  contained therein. Areas of a building shared by more than one type of occupant
				  shall meet the more stringent requirements.
C. Transition Provision
This standard shall take effect January 1, 1992. Projects
				  demonstrating substantial activity and contract commitments before this date
				  which have received either
1 a
				building permit, or
2 a plumbing
				permit,
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 400 - ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR SUBSIDIZED MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENCES › Section 407-400-5 - ACCEPTED PRACTICES

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. Frost Line
For determining compliance with this section of the
				  Standards, the design frost line shall be those listed in Table 1 for each zone
				  as found on the Zone Map.
Table 1
Design 1 frost line
							 for conforming to the requirements of Maine's Energy Efficiency Building
							 Performance Standards when installing insulation on foundations or
							 slab-on-grade floors.
Zone
Design Frost Line in Feet Below Grade
1
4 feet
2
5 feet
3
6 feet
B.
				Ceiling Insulation
Ceiling insulation shall be installed in a manner which
				  maintains the minimum depth of insulation needed to achieve the minimum
				  specified R-value. The measurement shall be taken at the outside edge of the
				  exterior wall framing.
C.
				Maintenance of R-value
The following measures shall be installed to maintain the
				  integrity of the R-value of the installed insulation:
1. Wind Wash - A continuous air barrier must
				be provided at the following locations to mitigate wind wash:
a the exterior edge of ceiling insulation;
				and
b cantilevered floors and bay
				windows, including corners with adjoining vertical walls above and
				below.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 400 - ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR SUBSIDIZED MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENCES › Section 407-400-6 - INFILTRATION

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. Air Barrier
A continuous air barrier shall be installed over the inside
				  face of framing in ceilings which face an outdoor or unheated space, and over
				  either the inside or outside face of framing in walls which face an outdoor or
				  unheated space. The ceiling and wall barriers must be sealed to each
				  other.
B. Sealing of Gaps
				and Joints
Gaps between the rough and finish frames around windows and
				  doors, joints between walls and foundations, all penetrations through the
				  infiltration barrier, such as, but not limited to, those for plumbing
				  electrical conduits, wires or boxes, and ducts, shall be sealed with permanent
				  tape, caulk, sealant, or gaskets.
C. Separate Dwelling Units
All walls, ceilings, and floors that separate different
				  dwelling units, or sleeping rooms designed to be occupied by residents from
				  different families shall be sealed against air movement from one unit to
				  another. Air barrier material shall be continuous. All penetrations through the
				  air barrier separating dwelling units shall be sealed with permanent tape,
				  caulk, sealant, or gaskets.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 400 - ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR SUBSIDIZED MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENCES › Section 407-400-7 - VENTILATION FOR ACCEPTABLE INDOOR AIR QUALITY

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
				Intent of Ventilation Requirements
This ventilation requirement is intended to insure that fresh
				  air be supplied and stale air exhausted for each dwelling unit independently of
				  ventilation air and rates in other parts of the building and the building as a
				  whole.
B. Dwelling Units
Each dwelling unit shall have balanced mechanical ventilation
				  designed to provide outside air in conformance with ASHRAE 62-1989,
				  "Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality". Fresh air is not to be
				  supplied to dwelling units from common rooms. System adjusting shall be
				  completed by an independent testing and balancing agency acceptable to the
				  engineer of record.
C.
				Common rooms
Common rooms, located in any building required to comply with
				  this standard, shall have balanced mechanical ventilation designed to provide
				  outside air in conformance with ASHRAE 62-1989.
D. Operations Manual
An operations manual for the ventilation system(s) shall be
				  provided to the building manager. An operations manual for the ventilation
				  system located in the individual dwelling unit shall be provided to each
				  tenant. The operation manual shall provide an overview of how the ventilation
				  system functions to assure indoor air quality, operation instructions for any
				  controls located in the dwelling unit, the name of the person to call for
				  service (may be different for tenants than for managers), and a schedule for
				  any regular maintenance to be performed by the tenant or manager.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 400 - ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR SUBSIDIZED MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENCES › Section 407-400-8 - PERFORMANCE COMPLIANCE ALTERNATIVE

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. Scope
This Section establishes criteria for the design of buildings
				  in terms of the building's annual energy usage.
B. Analysis Criteria
1. Compliance with this Section requires an
				analysis of the annual space conditioning energy usage, hereafter called
				"energy usage", of the proposed building design and a comparison of such usage
				with the energy usage of a standard building design.
2. A proposed building design will be deemed
				to meet the requirements of
				 10 MRSA
				§1415-G(3) if the
				energy usage of the proposed building design is not greater than that of a
				standard building design. The standard design shall be based on the criteria
				specified by 10 MRSA14153 ), and this rule for insulation levels, infiltration
				controls, and ventilation.
3. The
				standard building design shall be substantially identical to the proposed
				building design in the following respects:
a
				Function and design requirements;
b
				Size, shape, geometry, and orientation;
c Operating schedule, temperature, humidity,
				ventilation and footcandles; and
d
				Internal heat gains from occupants and equipment.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 410 - UNIFORM SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTS FOR GAS UTILITIES › Section 407-410-1 - APPLICABILITY

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
This rule applies to all natural gas utilities in Maine. For
				  purposes of this rule, natural gas utility means every person, its lessees,
				  trustees, receivers or trustees appointed by any court owning, controlling,
				  operating or managing for compensation within this state any pipeline, gas
				  plant or other facilities used for the transportation, distribution, or sale of
				  natural gas within the State.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 410 - UNIFORM SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTS FOR GAS UTILITIES › Section 407-410-2 - UNIFORM ACCOUNTING SYSTEM

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Every natural gas utility shall maintain its accounts and
				  records in conformity with the Uniform System of Accounts for Natural Gas
				  Companies as found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 18, Subchapter
				  F-Accounts, Natural Gas Act, Part 201-Uniform System of Accounts Prescribed for
				  Natural Gas Companies Subject to the Provisions of the Natural Gas Act.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 410 - UNIFORM SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTS FOR GAS UTILITIES › Section 407-410-3 - OTHER RECORDS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Any natural gas utility may, unless or until otherwise
				  ordered by the Commission or the Director of Finance, keep upon its books any
				  subsidiary, divisional, or other records or accounts that shall not impair the
				  integrity of any account prescribed.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 410 - UNIFORM SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTS FOR GAS UTILITIES › Section 407-410-4 - ANNUAL REPORTS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Account
				Closing Date
. Natural gas utilities shall close all accounts annually on
				the 31st day of December.
B.
Annual Reports
. Not later
				than April 1 of each year, every natural gas utility shall file with the
				Commission a report, verified by an officer or owner of the gas utility,
				containing such information as the Commission may prescribe. The Commission
				shall send a blank report to each natural gas utility by January 30 of each
				year.
C.
Interstate Natural
				Gas Pipelines
. Interstate natural gas pipeline utilities are natural gas
				pipeline systems authorized by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to
				construct and operate pipelines extending across state boundaries to serve
				Maine and other states. In lieu of the annual report described in 4B, an
				interstate natural gas pipeline utility operating in Maine may file a copy of
				its FERC annual report with the Commission or notify the Commission when it has
				filed its FERC annual report with instructions on how it may be viewed or
				obtained.
D.
Confidential
				Information
1.
Designated
				Confidential Information
. A natural gas utility may request that the
				Commission issue a protective order pursuant to
				 35-A M.R.S.A.
				§1311-A and M.R.Civ.P. Rule 26(c) to
				keep certain information in its annual report confidential for a specified
				period of time.
2.
Non-Confidential Information
. Notwithstanding subsection D(1),
				information regarding corporate affiliation and contact information, numbers
				and types of consumer complaints, and the names of the municipalities in which
				the natural gas utility serves shall not be accorded confidential
				treatment.
3.
Redacted
				Version
. A natural gas utility filing an annual report containing
				Designated Confidential Information shall also file a redacted version of its
				annual report suitable for public viewing.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 410 - UNIFORM SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTS FOR GAS UTILITIES › Section 407-410-5 - AUDITS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
All natural gas utility accounts shall be audited in
				  accordance with Chapter 710 of the Rules of the Maine Public Utilities
				  Commission (65-407 C.M.R. 710).
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 410 - UNIFORM SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTS FOR GAS UTILITIES › Section 407-410-6 - WAIVER

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Upon the request of any person subject to the provisions of
				  this Chapter or upon its own motion, the Commission may waive any of the
				  requirements of this Chapter. Where good cause exists, the Commission, the
				  Administrative Director, the Director of Technical Analysis, the Hearing
				  Examiner, or Presiding Officer assigned to a proceeding related to this Chapter
				  may grant the requested waiver, provided that the granting of the waiver would
				  not be inconsistent with the purposes of this Chapter or Title 35-A.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 420 - SAFETY STANDARDS FOR NATURAL GAS AND LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS FACILITY OPERATORS › Section 407-420-1 - General Provisions

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Scope
This rule applies to all operators of gas utilities defined
				  in
				  35-A M.R.S.
				  §102(8) "Gas utility,"
				  all operators of gas pipelines as defined in 49 C.F.R. Part 192 except liquid
				  propane gas distribution systems, and all natural gas pipeline utilities as
				  defined in
				  35-A M.R.S.
				  §102(10) "Natural Gas
				  Pipeline utility"; provided that this rule does not apply to interstate natural
				  gas pipeline facilities or interstate pipeline transportation.
B.
Applicable Codes
1. The minimum standards for operation of
				natural gas and liquefied natural gas pipeline facilities are established by
				adoption of the following federal regulations, including amendments thereto:
a. The provisions of Parts 191, 192, and 193
				of Title 49 of the
Code of Federal Regulations
(C.F.R.),
				including all amendments and revisions thereto, govern the design, fabrication,
				installation, inspection, reporting, testing, and the safety aspects of
				operation and maintenance of gas transmission and distribution systems,
				including gas pipelines, gas compressor stations, gas metering and regulating
				stations, gas mains, and service lines.
b. Title 49 C.F.R. Part 190, "Pipeline Safety
				Programs and Rulemaking Procedures," and Part 198, "Regulations for Grants to
				Aid State Pipeline Safety Programs," including all amendments and revisions
				thereto, govern certain enforcement, one-call system, and other matters for the
				MPUC's pipeline safety program, in concert with the provisions of this
				Chapter.
c. The provisions of 49
				C.F.R. Part 199, including all amendments and revisions, which incorporate 49
				C.F.R. Part 40 by reference, govern the drug testing inspection of operators of
				natural gas facilities.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 420 - SAFETY STANDARDS FOR NATURAL GAS AND LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS FACILITY OPERATORS › Section 407-420-3 - Participation in Underground Utility Damage Prevention Program

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Natural Gas and LNG Operator
				Participation
Operators in Maine must:
1. Comply with Chapter 895;
2. Maintain membership in a notification
				center that utilizes and promotes the 811 "one-call" notification
				system;
3. Promote the use of 811
				and "Ok-to-Dig" notification processes for use by excavators; and
4. Report to the MPUC in accordance with
				Chapter 895 any damage to its underground facilities or a damage prevention
				incident utilizing an MPUC Underground Facility Incident Report Form.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 420 - SAFETY STANDARDS FOR NATURAL GAS AND LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS FACILITY OPERATORS › Section 407-420-4 - Emergency Procedures

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Emergency
				Notification
Operators must provide prompt telephone notification to the
				  MPUC's Gas Safety Manager (or a Gas Pipeline Safety Inspector if the Gas Safety
				  Manager is not immediately available) if an emergency exists for which prompt
				  MPUC or Gas Safety Staff action is likely to be needed, if such notice is
				  otherwise required by MPUC Rules, if an incident attracts significant interest
				  from other government agencies or from the media, or if specifically requested
				  by a member of the Gas Safety Staff.
B.
Requirements for Responding to
				Reports of Leaks or Gas Odor
A first responder employed or contracted by an operator must
				  possess training, experience, and knowledge in emergency response, leak
				  classification and investigation, and be qualified in accordance with 49 C.F.R.
				  Part 192, Subpart N.
Operators must maintain emergency response records and
				  report in accordance with Section
				  7(E) of this
				  Chapter.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 420 - SAFETY STANDARDS FOR NATURAL GAS AND LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS FACILITY OPERATORS › Section 407-420-5 - Installation and Maintenance Standards

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Interruptions of Service
1.
				Operators must use all practicable means to avoid interruptions to service,
				including maintaining appropriate levels of maintenance and planning for
				unexpected events.
2. Should
				interruptions occur, operators must reestablish service within the shortest
				time practicable consistent with safety.
3. Operators must keep a record of all
				interruptions to service involving twenty or more customers that include the
				following:
a. The date and time of
				interruption;
b. The approximate
				number of customers affected;
c.
				The date and time of service restoration;
d. The cause of such interruption when known;
				and
e.  A description of steps taken
				to prevent its recurrence.
4. Operators must report to the MPUC
				unintended service interruptions pursuant to Section 5(A)(3) of this Chapter
				occurring within a calendar month by the 15th of the following month.
5. When an operator interrupts service to
				perform work on lines or equipment, such work must be done at a time causing
				minimum inconvenience to customers consistent with the circumstances.
6. If practicable, operators must notify,
				three days in advance of scheduled work on lines or equipment that requires an
				interruption to service, all commercial, institutional or other customers that
				can reasonably be expected to be seriously affected.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 420 - SAFETY STANDARDS FOR NATURAL GAS AND LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS FACILITY OPERATORS › Section 407-420-7 - Documentation and Reporting Requirements

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Filings with MPUC.
1. All plans,
				specifications, procedures, and other documents filed with the MPUC which
				pertain to the integrity of natural gas pipelines must bear the signature and
				seal of a Maine-licensed Professional Engineer when required by regulations
				adopted by the Maine Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers that apply
				to filings made with State agencies.
2. A copy of any report filed with PHMSA must
				also be provided to the MPUC.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 420 - SAFETY STANDARDS FOR NATURAL GAS AND LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS FACILITY OPERATORS › Section 407-420-9 - Federal Regulation Waivers

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Upon application by an operator, the MPUC may grant a waiver
				  from compliance with the federal gas pipeline safety regulations for intrastate
				  pipeline transportation, subject to review by PHMSA.
A. The MPUC may grant waivers for particular
				circumstances where it is inappropriate for an operator to follow a regulation
				of general applicability.
B. Before
				granting a waiver, the MPUC must give notice and opportunity for written
				comments and hearing, unless the it finds that notice is impracticable,
				unnecessary, or not in the public interest.
C. If the MPUC finds that a requested waiver
				is consistent with gas pipeline safety and is otherwise justified, the waiver
				must be issued under appropriate terms and conditions with a statement of
				reasons for granting the waiver.
D.
				If the MPUC finds a requested waiver is inconsistent with gas pipeline safety
				or is otherwise unjustified, the request must be denied, and the applicant
				notified of the reasons for denial.
E. The MPUC must give PHMSA written notice of
				each waiver at least 60 days before it becomes effective. Each notice of waiver
				must provide the following information:
1. The
				name, address, and telephone number of the applicant;
2. The safety standards involved;
3. A description of the pipeline facilities
				involved;
4. The justification for
				the waiver, including the reasons why the standards are not appropriate and why
				the waiver is consistent with gas pipeline safety.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 420 - SAFETY STANDARDS FOR NATURAL GAS AND LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS FACILITY OPERATORS › Section 407-420-10 - STATE REGULATION WAIVERS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Upon the request of any person subject to this Chapter or
				  upon its own motion, the MPUC may, for good cause and upon a finding that the
				  requested waiver is consistent with gas pipeline safety and is otherwise
				  justified, waive any requirement of this Chapter that is not required by
				  federal pipeline safety regulations or state or federal statute. The waiver may
				  not be inconsistent with the purposes of this Chapter or Title 35-A. The MPUC,
				  the Director of Consumer Assistance and Safety, the Gas Safety Manager, the
				  attorney assigned to the Gas Safety Staff, or the presiding officer assigned to
				  a proceeding related to this Chapter may grant the waiver.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 421 - SAFETY AND OPERATION STANDARDS FOR LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS › Section 407-421-1 - General Provisions

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Scope
This rule describes the requirements for the installation,
				  maintenance, and safety related conditions of LPG pipeline facilities. This
				  Chapter applies to any Jurisdictional LPG System that distributes LPG that
				  falls within the scope of 49 C.F.R. §192.
B.
Applicable Codes
1. The minimum standards governing the
				design, fabrication, installation, inspection, reporting, testing, and the
				safety aspects of operation and maintenance of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
				distribution systems, including propane storage tanks, vaporizers, mains, and
				service lines up to the outlet of the customer's meter set assembly or at the
				connection to a customer's piping, whichever is further downstream, shall be
				the provisions of Parts 191 and 192 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal
				Regulations (CFR), including all amendments and revisions thereto.
a. In the application of LPG distribution
				safety rules within Maine, the 2004 edition of NFPA 58,
LP-Gas
				Code
is adopted by reference for the enforcing of the provisions of 49
				CFR §192.11, except that the following sections of NFPA 58, 2004 are not
				adopted:
i. 6.6.7
Installation of
				Containers on Roofs of Buildings
;
and
ii. Chapter 14
Operations and
				Maintenance
, with the exception of 14.3.3
Maintenance of Fire
				Protection Equipment
, which is adopted.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 421 - SAFETY AND OPERATION STANDARDS FOR LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS › Section 407-421-2 - Definitions

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
For the purposes of this Chapter, the following terms have
				  the following meanings.
A.
Combustible Material
. "Combustible Materials"
				  are materials which, if ignited, can burn at a temperature and for a period of
				  time that could cause damage to an LPG container or distribution system. These
				  include but are not limited to, fuels, stored building materials, and dead
				  brush. "Combustible Materials" does not include live vegetation such as grass,
				  shrubs, living trees, and seasonal vegetation.
B.
Corrosion
. "Corrosion" is defined as a
				  condition exhibiting signs of deterioration including pitting or loss of metal.
				  Surface rust or light surface oxide as well as a loss of paint coating does not
				  constitute atmospheric corrosion.
C.
Gas
. "Gas" means petroleum gas as defined in
				  §
									2(K).
D.
Jurisdictional LPG System
. "Jurisdictional
				  LPG system" means any LPG pipeline facility that transports LPG, including
				  propane pipelines that transport petroleum gas or petroleum gas/air mixtures
				  from one or more LPG systems, with the exception of systems that serve:
1. Fewer than 10 customers, if no portion of the system is
				  located in a public place; or
2. A single customer, if the system is located entirely on
				  the customer's premises (no matter if a portion of the system is located in a
				  public place.
E.
LPG
. "LPG" means petroleum gas as defined in
				  §
									2(I).
F.
LPG Operator
. "LPG Operator (or operator)",
				  means any person or entity that owns and engages in the transportation of LPG
				  through a Jurisdictional LPG System or a person who is contracted to serve as
				  the operator by a person who owns and engages in the transportation of LPG
				  through a jurisdictional LPG system.
G.
LPG Supplier.
"LPG Supplier" means a marketer
				  who delivers liquefied petroleum gas to a storage tank which supplies an LPG
				  distribution system. The LPG Supplier may or may not be the operator of the
				  distribution system.
H.
Petroleum Gas
. "Petroleum gas" means propane,
				  propylene, butane, (normal butane or isobutanes), and butylene (including
				  isomers), or mixtures composed predominantly of these gases, having a vapor
				  pressure not exceeding 208 psi (1434 kPa) gage at 100 °F (38
				  °C).
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 421 - SAFETY AND OPERATION STANDARDS FOR LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS › Section 407-421-3 - Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Program

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
LPG Operator Participation
1.
				Each LPG operator in Maine shall:
a. Comply
				with Maine PUC Chapter 895, Underground Facility Damage Prevention
				Requirements; and
b. Maintain
				membership in a notification center that utilizes and promotes the "811"
				one-call notification system.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 421 - SAFETY AND OPERATION STANDARDS FOR LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS › Section 407-421-4 - Jurisdictional System Installation and Maintenance Standards

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Installation and Maintenance of
				Meters and Pressure Regulators
1.
Protection of Meters, Tanks and Distribution System Facilities from
				Damage from Motorized Vehicles or Equipment
Gas meters, aboveground tanks, domes of underground tanks,
				  and distribution system facilities located adjacent to a roadway, street,
				  alley, driveway, easement or otherwise susceptible to damage from motor
				  vehicles shall be provided protective barriers on each side exposed to
				  vehicular traffic.
2.
Accessibility and Location of Pressure Regulators at Meters or Service
				Piping
Pressure regulators installed at meters or on service piping
				  locations shall conform to the following requirements:
a. Regulators shall be installed:
i. With the screened vent pointed down, or
				under a protective cover that will prevent blockage of the vent by rain, snow,
				ice or debris;
ii. At least 5 feet
				away from mechanical ventilation air intakes, openings into direct-vent (sealed
				combustion system) appliances, or any source of ignition, such as but not
				limited to electrical meters.
b. Regulators shall not be direct
				buried.
3.
Hazardous Equipment Procedure
By July 1, 2012, LPG suppliers shall implement modified
				  operation and maintenance procedures that include a "Red Tag" or hazardous
				  equipment procedure for suspending service to a customer's system when a
				  hazardous condition is noticed that makes continued delivery of LPG
				  unsafe.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 421 - SAFETY AND OPERATION STANDARDS FOR LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS › Section 407-421-5 - Documentation Requirements

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Preservation of Records
1. All
				records required by these rules shall be preserved by the LPG operator for 1
				year after the LPG Operator ceases to operate the LPG system unless otherwise
				designated by 49 C.F.R. Part 192.
2. The LPG operator shall make such records
				available to the Commission upon request at the LPG operator's local
				office.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 421 - SAFETY AND OPERATION STANDARDS FOR LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS › Section 407-421-6 - Enforcement Procedures

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
The Commission shall use the following process when it
				  initiates an enforcement action.
A.
Informal Disposition of Probable Violation
When an evaluation of an operator's records and facilities
				  indicates that the operator is apparently violating this chapter, a staff
				  member designated by the Commission will informally discuss the probable
				  violation with the operator before concluding the inspection. Any documentation
				  or physical evidence necessary to support a future allegation of non-compliance
				  may be obtained during the inspection. On-site corrective action may be taken
				  by the operator of the facilities where the probable violation exists, thus
				  correcting the violation without further action.The Commission may permit the
				  operator of the facilities where a probable violation exists to correct the
				  violation within 30 days, thus correcting the violation without further
				  action.
B.
Written
				Formal Notice of Probable Violation
After evidence of a probable violation is collected and the
				  violation report written, the operator will be notified of the results of the
				  on-site evaluation and the provision of this chapter the operator is apparently
				  violating. The notice of probable violation may include a proposed
				  administrative penalty amount. A written response from the operator must be
				  filed with the Commission within 14 days of the time the operator receives the
				  violation notice.
C.
Response Options Open to Operator
The operator, in responding to the violation notice,
				  may:
1. Submit a written plan
				specifying actions that the operator will take to correct the violation, a
				schedule for completion of each action step, and a final date of compliance. If
				the Commission accepts the corrective plan submitted by the operator and the
				operator implements the corrective actions, the violation is resolved. In
				addition to the submission of a written correction plan, or alternatively, the
				operator may request an informal conference. Upon request for an informal
				conference, a staff member designated by the Commission will establish a date,
				time, and location for the conference. During the conference, staff will review
				the violation report with the operator to identify corrective actions and reach
				a mutually acceptable resolution of the violation and proposed administrative
				penalty, if any. If this effort fails, the designated staff member may refer
				the violation to the Commission for formal action. If the designated staff
				member declines to refer the matter to the Commission for formal action, the
				operator will be notified by letter.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 421 - SAFETY AND OPERATION STANDARDS FOR LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS › Section 407-421-7 - Federal Regulation Waivers

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Upon the request of any person subject to this Chapter or
				  upon its own motion, the Commission may, for good cause, waive any requirement
				  of this Chapter that is not required by federal regulation or state or federal
				  statute. The Commission or the Presiding Officer may grant the waiver.
A. Upon application by an operator, the
				Commission may grant a waiver from compliance with the federal Gas Pipeline
				Safety Regulations for intrastate pipeline transportation, subject to review by
				the office of Pipeline Safety Regulation.
1.
				Waivers may be granted for particular circumstances where it is inappropriate
				for an operator to follow a regulation of general applicability.
a. Before granting a waiver, the Commission
				must give notice and opportunity for written comments and hearing, unless the
				Commission finds that notice is impracticable, unnecessary, or not in the
				public interest.
b. If the
				Commission finds a requested waiver is consistent with gas pipeline safety and
				is otherwise justified, the waiver must be issued under appropriate terms and
				conditions with a statement of reasons for granting the waiver.
c. If the Commission finds a requested waiver
				is inconsistent with gas pipeline safety or is otherwise unjustified, the
				request must be denied, and the applicant notified of the reasons for
				denial.
d. The Commission must give
				the office of Pipeline Safety Regulation of the United States Department of
				Transportation written notice of each waiver at least 60 days before it becomes
				effective. Each notice of waiver must provide the following information:
i. The name, address, and telephone number of
				the applicant;
ii. The safety
				standards involved;
iii. A
				description of the pipeline facilities involved;
iv. The justification for the waiver,
				including the reasons why the standards are not appropriate and why the waiver
				is consistent with gas pipeline safety.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 430 - COST OF GAS ADJUSTMENT FOR GAS UTILITIES › Section 407-430-1 - DEFINITIONS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. Gas Utility. Gas utility means a gas
				company, or a natural gas pipeline company as defined in
				 35-A M.R.S.A.
				section102, subsections
				8 and
				10.
B. The Commission. The Commission means the
				Public Utilities Commission.
C.
				Gas. Natural gas or a mixture of natural gas and other flammable gas,
				including, but not limited to, propane, liquefied natural gas and synthetic
				natural gas.
D. Cost of gas. Cost
				of gas means the total charges paid by the gas utility for gas received into
				system supply for sale to its customers, less any cash or other discounts, and
				less any supplier refunds to be credited in a manner described in section
				4(A)(6). This term
				encompasses associated costs including, but not limited to, labor, carrying
				costs, or the cost of handling the gas prior to its delivery to the gas utility
				for sale to its customers. The cost of gas shall also include any back out
				charges, pay out charges, take-or-pay penalties or similar charges to the
				extent that said charges have been prudently incurred. The cost of gas shall
				not include demurrage, purchasing agent commissions, insurance, on system
				storage costs, or other non gas-related expenses incurred on system by the gas
				utility.
E. Therm. Therm means
				100,000 btu's. This would equate to one-hundred cubic feet of one-thousand btu
				per-cubic-foot gas.
F. Total Therm
				Sales. Total therm sales means total therms sold subject to
				 35-A M.R.S.A.
				§4703, as the same shall be amended from
				time to time.
G. Winter Period.
				Winter period means the six-month period from November 1 through and including
				April 30 of the following year.
H.
				Summer Period. Summer period means the six-month period from May 1 through and
				including October 31.
I. Base
				Rates. Base Rates are the rates set in a general rate adjustment proceeding
				under
				 35-A M.R.S.A.
				§§307,
				1303 or
				1308.
J. Base Rate Cost of Gas. Base Rate Cost of
				Gas is that portion of the Base Rate which is designed to recover the gas
				utility's cost of gas. See
				 35-A M.R.S.A.
				§4703(1). It is a fixed
				cents-per-therm charge on monthly billed volumes. Since the total amount
				recovered is dependent on therms billed, it will vary with usage.
K. Base Rate Gas Cost Recovery. Base Rate Gas
				Cost Recovery means that portion of a gas utility's total cost of gas which has
				been or will be recovered through Base Rates. It is derived by multiplying the
				Base Rates Cost of Gas by the number of therms sold or projected to be
				sold.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 430 - COST OF GAS ADJUSTMENT FOR GAS UTILITIES › Section 407-430-3 - PROJECTED COST OF GAS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
For all applications filed pursuant to Section
				  2(C) of this chapter,
				  the gas utility shall estimate its total cost of gas for each month of the
				  period during which the cost of gas adjustment is proposed to be in effect. For
				  all applications filed pursuant to Sections
				  2(D) and
				  2(F) of this chapter,
				  the gas utility shall estimate its total cost of gas for each of the remaining
				  months of the period for which the application is filed.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 430 - COST OF GAS ADJUSTMENT FOR GAS UTILITIES › Section 407-430-4 - RECONCILIATION ADJUSTMENT

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. The Commission
				shall make a reconciliation adjustment for inclusion in the cost of gas
				adjustment of a gas utility to account for the following:
1 A Transition Adjustment, if any as defined
				in Section
				6, below.
2 Any amounts over-collected or remaining to
				be collected from prior periods. Any over-collection or under-collection
				occurring during a winter period shall be recovered by means of the cost of gas
				adjustment effective during the next winter period. Any over-collection or
				under-collection occurring during a summer period shall be recovered by means
				of the cost of gas adjustment effective during the next summer period. In the
				case of periods during which the cost of gas adjustment is changed pursuant to
				an application filed under Section
				2(D) of this chapter,
				all or part of the unrecovered or over-collected gas costs that accumulate
				during the first months of the period may, in the discretion of the Commission,
				be recovered during the remaining months of the period.
3 Errors or erroneous reporting.
4 Imprudent or unreasonable gas procurement
				policies and practices.
5 Such
				other practices, policies, and factors as the Commission considers appropriate,
				including the justness and reasonableness of the cost of gas acquired by the
				gas utility.
6 Refunds received
				from suppliers, to be treated as follows:
(a)
				Refunds, whenever received, shall be retained by the gas utility for inclusion
				in the next reasonably available cost of gas adjustment following receipt of
				the refund, and then shall be distributed over the next 12 months.
(b) The gas utility shall accrue interest on
				the balance refunded in a manner consistent with Section
				5(C) beginning with
				the second month of retention and continuing through the refund period. In
				making a refund adjustment, the gas utility shall also include a projection of
				accrued interest associated with the amortization of the refunded balance over
				the twelve-month amortization period. This shall be computed by applying the
				gas utility's latest known twelve-month actual average short-term interest
				rate, to the projected average refund balances for each month during which the
				amortization is to be accomplished.
(c) At the end of the twelve-month
				distribution period, any refunds not fully distributed, or any amounts
				distributed in excess of the refund, together with interest accrued during the
				intervening period, calculated in a manner consistent with Section
				5(C), shall be
				included in the next available cost of gas adjustment.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 430 - COST OF GAS ADJUSTMENT FOR GAS UTILITIES › Section 407-430-5 - INTEREST EXPENSE ADJUSTMENT

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
The interest expense (either positive or negative) associated
				  with under- and over-collections of gas costs, shall be included in the cost of
				  gas adjustment.
A. Over-and
				under-collected gas costs, and associated interest costs shall each be
				accounted for separately for each summer and winter period. The balances in the
				summer accounts at the end of each summer period shall be transferred to the
				next summer period for inclusion in the cost of gas adjustment in effect for
				the next summer period. With respect to the over- and under-collected gas cost
				account only, the gas utility shall accrue interest during the intervening
				winter period by applying the company's average short-term cost of borrowing,
				as the company's average short-term cost of borrowing, as determined in Section
				5(C), to this account
				for each month of the intervening winter period. The balances at the end of
				each winter period shall be treated in the same manner.
B. The over-/under-collection gas cost
				accounts for each period shall be credited or debited each month with the
				difference between gas cost revenues billed that month and gas costs incurred
				that month. Gas cost revenues are the total of the base rate gas cost recovery
				and cost of gas adjustment revenues, net of transition and supplier refund
				revenues.
C. The
				over-/under-collection interest accounts for each period shall be credited or
				debited each month with the over-/under-collection interest expense. This
				expense shall be computed by applying the Company's average short-term cost of
				borrowing for the month to the average of the beginning and end of month
				balances of the over-/under-collection gas cost accounts, for each month of the
				applicable period.
D. If, in a gas
				utility's most recent rate proceeding, the Commission has approved, by
				stipulation or otherwise, a capital structure, cost of equity and overall cost
				of capital, then in lieu of using actual and projected short-term debt interest
				costs in this section to reflect the capital costs associated with deferring
				the recovery or return of over- or under-collected gas costs, the Commission
				may, in its discretion, make the adjustment by using the overall cost of
				capital, adjusted to account for the taxes on the equity portion of that return
				on capital.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 430 - COST OF GAS ADJUSTMENT FOR GAS UTILITIES › Section 407-430-6 - TRANSITION ADJUSTMENT

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Unrecovered reasonable gas costs outstanding on the effective
				  date of a gas utility's first cost of gas adjustment shall be recovered as
				  follows:
A. The Commission shall
				determine the total amount of uncollected reasonable gas costs as of the date
				of the new cost of gas adjustment. The Commission shall also determine a
				reasonable interest expense, in a manner consistent with Section
				5(C), reflecting the
				cost, as of the date of the implementation of the first cost of gas adjustment
				filed pursuant to this Chapter, of deferring the recovery of these gas costs.
				The Commission shall also estimate the projected interest costs, associated
				with the amortization of the balance over the period selected in subsection C
				of this Section, in a manner consistent with Section (4)(A)(6)(b).
B. These amounts, shall be amortized over a
				period, to be determined by the Commission, of not more than twenty-four
				months, and shall be recovered by means of the cost of gas adjustments in
				effect during the amortization period.
C. The adjustment for this recovery shall be
				derived by dividing the total unrecovered gas costs together with associated
				interest, as determined by the Commission, by the projected total number of
				therm sales during the amortization period.
D. In each filing made pursuant to this
				chapter during the amortization period, the gas company shall indicate the gas
				costs recovered to date pursuant to this subsection. The gas company may then
				propose, and the Commission may order or authorize, a change in the
				amortization rate to minimize the possibility either of an over-recovery or an
				under-recovery of the amount to be amortized.
E. Any over-recovery or under-recovery
				outstanding at the close of amortization period shall be treated in accordance
				with the method set forth in Section
				4(A)(6)(c) of this
				chapter.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 430 - COST OF GAS ADJUSTMENT FOR GAS UTILITIES › Section 407-430-7 - COMPUTATION OF COST OF GAS ADJUSTMENT

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. The cost
				of gas adjustment for any period is equal to the projected cost of gas for that
				period, plus or minus the reconciliation adjustment, plus or minus the interest
				expense adjustment, minus the base rate gas cost recovery.
B. A gas utility shall estimate the total
				therm sales for each month of the period during which its proposed cost of gas
				adjustment is intended to be in effect.
C. The cost of gas adjustment rate for any
				period is equal to the cost of gas adjustment divided by the projected total
				therm sales for that period.
D. The
				cost of gas adjustment rate shall be a single uniform rate per therm for all
				customers of the gas company.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 430 - COST OF GAS ADJUSTMENT FOR GAS UTILITIES › Section 407-430-8 - ANNUAL REPORT

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. Each gas utility
				shall file with the Commission an annual cost of gas report as a supplement to
				its Annual Report to the Commission, by May 1. Each report shall contain
				information regarding:
1 Procedures employed
				to assure that minimum prices are paid for gas purchased;
2 Policies followed to assure long-term
				supply of gas at reasonable prices;
3 Summary of financial and statistical data,
				with any necessary reconciliation to data presented in the gas utility's annual
				report;
4 Name of person or firm
				making audit, whether or not that person is an employee of the gas
				utility;
5 A disclosure of any
				ownership or corporate relationship between the gas utility, its directors, its
				officers, or its employees who are engaged in the acquisition of gas, and the
				seller of gas to such utility.