reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.55.04.01-1 - Application for Service

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A utility may accept either written or verbal applications for service. Each verbal application for service shall be promptly confirmed in writing by the utility. A utility may require an applicant to sign and return a copy of the written confirmation. The application shall include the:
(1) Name, address, home and work telephone numbers, and employer of the customer of record;
(2) Address of the premises for which gas service is requested;
(3) Mailing address and telephone numbers of the customer of record if he is not an occupant of the premises for which service is requested; and
(4) Customer of record's former gas service address and the date customer moved, if applicable.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.55.04.01-2 - Denial of Application for Residential Service

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Payment of Outstanding Bills.
(1) Except as prohibited by State or federal law, a utility may refuse to provide service for a former customer unless the customer has paid or has made satisfactory arrangements to pay any outstanding bill or undisputed portion of a disputed bill for prior residential service.
(2) A utility may not refuse service to a customer for nonpayment of any outstanding bill that is over 7 years old, unless the:
(a) Customer signed an agreement to pay the outstanding bill before the expiration of this period; or
(b) Outstanding bill is for service obtained by the customer in any manner described in COMAR 20.31.02.03DD or COMAR 20.31.02.04A(1)-(4).
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.55.04.02 - Customer Deposits

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
Each utility may require from a customer a deposit to be applied against any unpaid balance due the utility for service at the time service is terminated, in accordance with the provisions of Subtitle 30 of this title.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.55.04.03 - Bill Forms

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. The bill forms shall show:
(1) The readings of all meters used for billing purposes at the end of the period for which the bill is rendered;
(2) The meter reading date;
(3) The number and kind of units metered;
(4) The applicable rate schedule, or identification of the applicable rate schedule, including any applicable seasonal rates;
(5) Any State or local surcharges;
(6) The applicable late payment charge, if any, separately stated or labelled a late payment charge, or a statement that the total amount due includes a late payment charge, and an explanation of the calculation of the date of applicability of the late payment charge;
(7) The total due, including any prior unpaid amount but excluding the current late payment charge;
(8) The date by which the customer shall pay the bill in order to avoid a late payment charge;
(9) A distinct marking to identify an estimated bill;
(10) Information concerning the customer's gas usage during the same billing period in the prior year;
(11) The utility's appropriate business address and telephone number for billing inquiries; and
(12) Any conversions from meter reading units to billing units, or any calculations to determine billing units from recording or other devices, and any other factors used in determining the bill.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.55.04.04 - Billing Records

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
The utility shall retain customer billing records for the length of time necessary to permit the utility to comply with Regulation .05 of this chapter, but not less than 3 years.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.55.04.05 - Adjustment of Bills

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Fast Meters.
(1) Whenever a meter is tested and found to have over-registered more than 2 percent, the utility shall recalculate the bills for service of the last customer of record receiving service through the meter and shall make a refund if the amount of the adjustment exceeds $1. The refund shall be for the period that the customer received service through the meter, but for not more than the periods established in §A(2) of this regulation.
(2) Known Date of Error. If the date on which the error first developed or occurred can be established, then the utility shall make a refund based on that known date. If the known date of error cannot be established, then it shall be assumed that the over-registration existed for a period of 3 years or a period equal to one-half of the time since the meter was last tested, whichever is less.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.55.04.09 - Customer Piping

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
If local authorities require an inspection of customer's piping, the utility may not provide a customer with gas service until the inspecting authority certifies that the piping conforms to the applicable code.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.55.04.10 - Investigation of Complaints

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
The utility shall investigate promptly and thoroughly any complaint concerning its charges, practices, facilities, or service.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.55.04.11 - Records of Complaints

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
The utility shall keep such records of customer complaints as will enable it to review and analyze its procedures and actions as an aid in rendering improved service.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.55.04.12 - Rights-of-Way

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Grading. Rights-of-way, easements, and service routes shall be cleared and graded to within 6 inches of final grade by the applicant, including certification by the applicant that the grade has been achieved before the utility will commence construction. The clearing and grading shall be maintained by the applicant during construction by the utility. (Agency note: Applicant is either company or customer.)
B. Change in Grade. If, subsequent to construction, the clearance or grade is changed in such a manner as to require relocation of pipelines or other facilities, the cost of the relocation shall be borne by the applicant or his successor.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.05 - Metering Requirements-General › Section 20.55.05.01 - Metering of Gas

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Customer Use. All gas sold by a utility shall be on the basis of meter measurement, except for installations where the usage is constant and the consumption may readily be computed, or as provided for in its filed rates.
B. Utility Use. Wherever practicable, consumption of gas within the utility itself, or by administrative units associated with it, shall be metered, except for installations where the usage is constant and the consumption may readily be computed.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.05 - Metering Requirements-General › Section 20.55.05.02 - Commission Approval

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Meters. Before any meter may be installed for use for revenue billing purposes, the type and design of the meter shall be approved by the Commission.
B. Correcting Devices. Before any pressure or temperature device may be used for the purpose of correcting the registration of a meter, the type and design of the device or devices shall be approved by the Commission.
C. Testing Equipment. Before any type of prover or other item of testing equipment may be used to test meters and associated devices, the type and design of the provers or testing equipment shall be approved by the Commission.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.05 - Metering Requirements-General › Section 20.55.05.03 - Metering Installations

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Condition. A meter may not be installed if it is mechanically defective, has incorrect constants, or has not been tested, and adjusted if necessary.
B. Capacity. The capacity of the metering installation and the index mechanism should be consistent with the gas requirements of the customer.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.05 - Metering Requirements-General › Section 20.55.05.04 - Meter Multiplier

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
If it is necessary to apply a multiplier such as 10, 100, 1000, etc. to a meter reading to obtain the actual consumption, the information shall be shown on the face of the meter register.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.05 - Metering Requirements-General › Section 20.55.05.05 - Meter Reading Interval

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
Meters shall be read at approximate monthly intervals, unless otherwise authorized by the Commission.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.05 - Metering Requirements-General › Section 20.55.05.06 - Meter Reading Records

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
The meter reading sheets, cards, or records from which bills are prepared shall show:
A. Customer's name, address, and rate schedule;
B. Identifying number or description of the meter;
C. Meter readings;
D. Date of meter reading;
E. If the reading has been estimated;
F. Any applicable fixed multiplier or constant.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.05 - Metering Requirements-General › Section 20.55.05.07 - Inventory Records

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
Each utility shall maintain records of each meter and associated metering device which will identify each item as to its design, capacity, and application. The identifying information may include, as applicable: manufacturer, number, type, capacity, multiplier, constants, pressure rating, and compensated index with associated pressure.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.05 - Metering Requirements-General › Section 20.55.05.08 - History Records

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
Each utility shall maintain records for each meter and associated metering device, which shall show, as applicable, the date of installation, the date of removal from service, and the location at the present address.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.05 - Metering Requirements-General › Section 20.55.05.09 - Test Records

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
Each utility shall maintain the latest test records for each meter which shall include the following:
A. The date and reason for the test;
B. The reading of the meter before making any test;
C. The proof "as found" at check flow;
D. The proof "as left" at check and full rated flow; and
E. If a test of the meter is made by using a working standard other than a bell prover, the utility shall retain all data taken at the time of the test in sufficiently complete form to permit the convenient checking of the test methods and the calculations.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.06 - Metering Test Facilities and Equipment › Section 20.55.06.01 - Meter Shop

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Meter Shop. Each utility shall maintain or designate a meter shop for the purpose of inspecting, testing, and repairing meters. The shop shall be open for inspection by authorized representatives of the Commission at all reasonable times, and the facilities and equipment, as well as the methods of making the measurements and tests employed, shall be subject to the approval of the Commission.
B. Temperature Control. The area within the meter shop used for the testing of meters shall be designed so that the meters and meter testing equipment are protected from drafts and excessive changes of temperature. The meter shop shall be air-conditioned, if necessary, in order to achieve satisfactory temperature control.
C. Meter Storage. Unless the proving equipment corrects for temperature differences, the meters to be tested shall be stored in such manner that, at the time of the test, the temperature of the meters is substantially the same as the temperature of the prover.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.06 - Metering Test Facilities and Equipment › Section 20.55.06.02 - Provers and Attachments

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Required. Each utility shall own and maintain, or have access to, one or more calibrated meter provers of appropriate size, and all other equipment necessary to test meters.
B. Temperature Control of Bell Provers. Means shall be provided to maintain the temperature of the liquid in the bell provers at substantially the same level as the air temperature in the prover room. The maximum difference in temperature should not be more than 2°F.
C. Accuracy.
(1) Each meter prover shall be maintained in good condition, in correct adjustment, and accurate to within ±0.3 percent at each point used in testing meters.
(2) A prover shall be calibrated at least once every 3 years and if moved or disassembled.
(3) The accuracy of a bell prover shall be determined by one or more of the methods indicated below:
(a) By comparison to a 1 cubic foot standard calibrated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology;
(b) By comparison to an approved transfer standard for a bell prover in excess of 5 cubic feet; or
(c) By strapping the bell prover with a calibrated tape whose accuracy is traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
(4) The accuracy of any other type of prover shall be determined by appropriate standards traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.06 - Metering Test Facilities and Equipment › Section 20.55.06.03 - Other Working Standards

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Approved. Utilities may test meters by other methods approved by the Commission or by use of other working standards approved by the Commission.
B. Accuracy. The approved working standards shall be maintained in good condition and correct adjustment, shall have a high degree of repeatability, and shall be capable of determining the actual proof of the meter under test to within ±0.5 percent at rates of flow between 15 percent and 100 percent of rated capacity of the meter under test.
C. Test Period. The approved working standards shall be tested for accuracy by comparison with an acceptable standard at least once each 3 years.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.06 - Metering Test Facilities and Equipment › Section 20.55.06.04 - Pressure Test Equipment

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
Each utility which corrects meter readings to compensate for pressure shall have dead weight testers, test quality electronic pressure transducer gauges, test quality precision type bourdon tube spring gauges, mercury manometers, or field type dead weight pressure gauges as necessary for the proper testing of the pressure correcting devices.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.06 - Metering Test Facilities and Equipment › Section 20.55.06.05 - Temperature Test Equipment

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
Each utility which corrects meter readings to compensate for temperature shall have accurate thermometers and other equipment as necessary for the proper testing of the temperature correcting devices.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.06 - Metering Test Facilities and Equipment › Section 20.55.06.06 - Certificates

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
Each standard shall be accompanied at all times by a certificate or calibration card, duly signed and dated, on which are recorded the corrections required to compensate for errors found at the customary test points at the time of the last previous test.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.06 - Metering Test Facilities and Equipment › Section 20.55.06.07 - Care in Handling

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
Care shall be exercised in the use and handling of test equipment to assure that the accuracy is not impaired.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.07 - Metering Tests › Section 20.55.07.02 - Accuracies

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Use of Tolerances. All tolerances are to be interpreted as maximum permissible variation from the condition of zero error. In making adjustments, no advantage of the prescribed tolerance limits may be taken to set meters fast.
B. Reading and Recording Data.
(1) Maximum Readability. In any test or calibration, the devices or instruments used in the test or calibration shall be read to the maximum degree of readability.
(2) Degree of Accuracy. The degree of accuracy achieved in the calculations involved in determining the accuracy of a meter, prover, device, or instrument in any test or calibration shall be consistent with the purpose for which the resultant accuracy is to be used.
(3) Recording. The final accuracy or proof shall be recorded to the nearest 0.5 percent.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.07 - Metering Tests › Section 20.55.07.03 - Pre-Installation Tests

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Meter Condition. Before a meter may be installed for revenue billing purposes the utility shall inspect and test the meter, and adjust it if necessary, so that its proof is within the tolerances specified in Regulation .02.
B. Sample Testing New Meters. New meters may be sample tested for proof in accordance with a utility's sample plan of testing acceptable to the Commission.
C. Leak Test.
(1) The meter may not leak when subjected to pressure and checked for leaks by:
(a) Immersion;
(b) Soap test; or
(c) A pressure drop test of a type acceptable to the Commission.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.07 - Metering Tests › Section 20.55.07.04 - Request Tests

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Request For Test. Upon request by a customer and at no charge, the utility shall make a test of the accuracy of registration of the meter serving the customer, provided that these tests need not be made more frequently than once in 18 months.
B. Customer May Observe. The customer, or his representative, may be present when the meter is tested.
C. Report to Customer. A report of the results of the test shall be made to the customer within a reasonable time after the completion of the test, and a record of the report, together with a complete record of the test, shall be kept on file at the office of the utility for at least 3 years.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.07 - Metering Tests › Section 20.55.07.05 - Referee Tests

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Application For Test. Upon written application to the Commission by a customer or a utility, a test will be made of the customer's meter as soon as practicable by a representative of the Commission, provided that these tests need not be made more frequently than once in 18 months.
B. Deposit For Test. The application shall be accompanied by a deposit as indicated: Gas meter-$10.
C. Notice to Utility. On receipt of the request from a customer, the Commission will notify the utility and the utility may not knowingly remove or adjust the meter until instructed by the Commission. The utility shall furnish to the Commission's representative such reasonable assistance as may be required to make the test.
D. Customer May Observe. The customer, or his representative, may be present when the meter is tested.
E. Report to Customer. A written report of the results of the test will be sent to the customer and to the utility.
F. Disposition of Deposit. If the meter is found to over-register more than 2 percent, calculated in accordance with COMAR 20.55.04.05DD and Regulation .02B(3) of this chapter, the deposit shall be refunded by the Commission and the utility billed the amount of the deposit. If the meter is found to be not more than 2 percent fast, the deposit will be retained and disposed of according to law.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.07 - Metering Tests › Section 20.55.07.06 - As Found Tests

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
Meters or associated metering devices, or both, shall be tested before they are adjusted, repaired, or retired.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.07 - Metering Tests › Section 20.55.07.07 - In-Service Performance Test Program

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Test Program. A utility in-service performance test program shall be designed to automatically adjust the number of meters required to be tested by a utility based solely on the performance of the utility's meters. In-service performance tests shall be made in accordance with the requirements of COMAR 20.55.02.02B.
B. Location of Tests. In-service performance tests may be made on the customer's premises, in the utility's shop, or in an approved meter shop.
C. Analysis of Meter Tests.
(1) By Commission. The Commission will review the annual reports of meter test results.
(2) By Utility. Each utility shall analyze its meter test results for the purpose of identifying the meter types which have poor accuracy characteristics.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.08 - Quality of Service › Section 20.55.08.01 - Purity Requirements

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
All gas supplied to customers shall be substantially free of impurities which may cause corrosion of mains or piping or form corrosive or harmful fumes when burned in a properly designed and adjusted burner.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.08 - Quality of Service › Section 20.55.08.02 - Pressure Limits

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
The operating pressure on a low pressure distribution system shall be such that it will not cause unsafe operation of any connected and properly adjusted low pressure gas burning equipment.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.08 - Quality of Service › Section 20.55.08.03 - Pressure Surveys and Records

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Pressure Measurements. Each utility shall make a sufficient number of pressure measurements using recording pressure gauges so that it will have a substantially accurate knowledge of the pressures provided to its customers.
B. Pressure Records. Pressure records obtained in complying with this regulation shall be retained by the utility for at least 2 years and shall be available for inspection by the Commission's representatives. Notations on each record shall indicate the following:
(1) The location where the pressure check was made; and
(2) The time and date of the check.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.08 - Quality of Service › Section 20.55.08.04 - Heating Value Limits

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
When the heating value of the gas distributed in the system is under the control of the utility, the following limits shall apply:
A. Daily Btu. The average heating value on any one day may not exceed or fall below the total heating value (see COMAR 20.55.03.03B(2)) by more than 5 percent, except that the heating value may be increased by more than 5 percent during peak shaving or emergency operations in order to maintain the proper combustibility of the gas supplied to the customer.
B. Monthly Average Btu. The monthly average heating value shall be not less than the total heating value filed in the utility's tariff.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.08 - Quality of Service › Section 20.55.08.05 - Heating Value Determination and Records

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Calorimeter or Chromatograph.
(1) The utility shall provide, or designate, a calorimeter, chromatograph, or other device of a type acceptable to the Commission for the regular determination of the heating value of the gas sold.
Installation. The equipment used to determine heating value shall be installed in a suitably located testing station acceptable to the Commission and subject to its inspection.
(3) Accuracy. The accuracy of all equipment used to determine heating value, as well as the method of making heating value tests, shall be acceptable to the Commission. Recording calorimeters or other equipment used to determine heating value shall be tested with a standard gas at least once each month.
(4) Records. Heating value test records shall be preserved for at least 3 years.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.08 - Quality of Service › Section 20.55.08.06 - Interruption of Service

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Endeavor to Avoid Interruptions. Each utility shall make reasonable efforts to avoid interruptions of service, but when interruptions occur, service shall be re-established within the shortest time practicable, consistent with safety.
B. Notification to Commission. Each utility shall notify the Commission by telephone or telegraph of any interruption to the service of a major portion of its distribution system.
C. Planned Interruptions. Planned interruptions shall be made at a time that will not cause unreasonable inconvenience to customers and shall be preceded by adequate notice to those who will be affected.
D. Record of Interruptions. Each utility shall keep records of interruptions of service on its system and shall make an analysis of the records for the purpose of determining steps to be taken to prevent recurrence of interruptions. The records should include the following information concerning the interruptions:
(1) Cause;
(2) Date and time; and
(3) Duration.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.09 - Safety › Section 20.55.09.01 - Protective Measures

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Exercise Reasonable Care. Each utility or gas master meter operator shall exercise reasonable care to reduce the hazards to which its employees, its customers, its contractors, and the general public may be subjected.
B. Investigation by Commission. The utility or gas master meter operator shall give reasonable assistance to the Commission in the investigation of the cause of accidents and in the determination of suitable means of preventing accidents.
C. Record of Accidents. Each utility or gas master meter operator shall maintain a summary of all reportable accidents arising from its operations or from contractor operations.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.09 - Safety › Section 20.55.09.02 - Safety Program

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Adopt Safety Program. Each utility, including its contractors, shall adopt and execute a safety program, fitted to the size and type of its operations.
B. Use Suitable Tools and Equipment. Each utility or gas master meter operator may require its employees and contractors to use suitable tools and equipment in order that they may perform their work in a safe manner.
C. Promote Safe Work Methods. Each utility or gas master meter operator may instruct its employees and contractors in safe methods of performing their work.
D. Instruct In Artificial Respiration. Each utility should instruct its employees and contractors who, in the course of their work, are subject to the hazard of electric shock, asphyxiation, or drowning, in accepted methods of artificial respiration.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.09 - Safety › Section 20.55.09.03 - Customer Piping

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Before permitting the use of gas at any location, the piping shall be tested for tightness and leaks in accordance with Part 4 of the American National Standard "National Fuel Gas Code", ANSI Z223.1 (1988), which is incorporated by reference under COMAR 20.55.02.02B.
B. Pressure Test. Before any system of gas piping is finally put in service, it shall be tested for tightness and certified by the proper inspection authority that the test has been made.
C. Leakage Test. Before turning gas into any piping, it shall be tested for leaks.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.09 - Safety › Section 20.55.09.04 - Gas Leaks

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
Each utility or gas master meter operator shall respond promptly to all reports of gas leaks. The response shall include investigating the reports of gas leaks in accordance with COMAR 20.55.02.02B(1).
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.09 - Safety › Section 20.55.09.05 - Gas Leakage Surveys

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Procedures and Methods. Each utility or gas master meter operator shall establish procedures for making periodic gas leakage surveys as specified in these regulations. For residential customers with meters located outdoors, leakage surveys shall be performed up to the building entry. The leakage surveys shall be conducted by one or more of the following methods:
(1) Flame ionization;
(2) Combustible gas indicator and bar hole;
(3) Optical methane detector; or
(4) Other method approved by the Commission.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.09 - Safety › Section 20.55.09.06 - Odorization

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Distinctive Odor Required. The odorant level throughout the entire company distribution system shall be sufficient so that gas is detectable at 1/10 of the lower explosive limit.
B. Tests. A system to monitor the odorant level within the distribution system shall be installed and maintained to insure the requirements of §A of this regulation.
C. Odorant Injection. On-site odorant injection or other recognized protection means shall be provided to prevent odor fading wherever necessary when new steel mains are installed, to insure the requirements of §A of this regulation.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.09 - Safety › Section 20.55.09.07 - Pipeline Location

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Burial. All pipelines shall be buried a minimum of 24 inches, or 18 inches in solid rock, where the term solid rock indicates the necessity for blasting or the use of pneumatic equipment.
B. Exceptions. Burial depths less than that specified but not less than 12 inches will be allowed if underground obstructions preclude those depths, if special line protection as accepted by the Commission is provided. The above requirements shall be applicable to existing pipelines within a reasonable period of time upon discovery of burial depth 12 inches or less, or of burial depths less than specified and deemed to be hazardous.
C. Identification.
(1) Tracer wire shall be installed with all plastic pipe.
(2) When the open trenching method of pipeline construction is used, suitable identification tape shall be installed at a minimum of 12 inches above the top of the pipe.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.09 - Safety › Section 20.55.09.08 - Increasing Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A utility or gas master meter operator may not increase the maximum allowable operating pressure of a pipeline until it has submitted to the Engineering Division a copy of the written procedure required by 49 CFR §
										192.553(c), as amended, which is incorporated by reference.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.10 - Work Approval › Section 20.55.10.01 - Scope

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. This chapter applies to gas company approval requirements for gas pipeline engineering plans or specifications for engineering work or services on designed projects after January 1, 2022.
B. This chapter does not apply to small system operators with less complex gas distribution systems as determined in the Guidance Manual for Operators of Small Natural Gas Systems (US Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Office of Pipeline Safety, January 2017), which is incorporated by reference in Regulation .03 of this chapter, except for small system operators with multiple pressure distribution main pipeline systems.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.10 - Work Approval › Section 20.55.10.02 - Definitions

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.
B. Terms Defined.
(1) "Covered project" means natural gas infrastructure project work that is designed and must be approved and stamped by a professional engineer licensed in Maryland.
(2) "District regulator awareness zone" means a delineated area around a district regulator station which is reasonably expected to encompass all control lines or other appurtenances necessary for continued safe operation and control where additional precautions are required to control work within the identified zone to minimize the risk of damage to critical facilities.
(3) "Division" has the meaning stated in COMAR 20.57.01.02B.
(4) "Gas company" has the meaning stated in COMAR 20.57.01.02B.
(5) "Noncovered project" means natural gas infrastructure project work that is designed and must be approved by a relevant qualified person.
(6) "Relevant qualified person" means a person such as an licensed professional engineer, subject matter expert, or other employee who possesses the necessary knowledge, experience, and skills regarding natural gas distribution systems to review and certify construction plans for accuracy, completeness, and correctness.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.10 - Work Approval › Section 20.55.10.03 - Incorporation by Reference

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
In this chapter, the following documents are incorporated by reference:
A. Guidance Manual for Operators of Small Natural Gas Systems (US Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Office of Pipeline Safety, January 2017); and
B. 49 CFR Part 192, Transportation of Natural and Other Gas By Pipeline: Minimum Federal Safety Standards, as amended.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 55 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY GAS COMPANIES › Chapter 20.55.10 - Work Approval › Section 20.55.10.04 - Work Approval Requirements

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Each gas company shall incorporate their work approval requirements for both covered and noncovered projects into their written operations and maintenance procedures under 49 CFR Part 192, Transportation of Natural and Other Gas By Pipeline: Minimum Federal Safety Standards, as amended, which is incorporated by reference in Regulation .03 of this chapter.
B. Each gas company shall incorporate their training, initial qualification, and requalification requirements for a Relevant Qualified Person into their written operations and maintenance procedures under 49 CFR Part 192, Transportation of Natural and Other Gas By Pipeline: Minimum Federal Safety Standards, as amended, which is incorporated by reference in Regulation .03 of this chapter.
C. Licensed professional engineers retained by a gas company shall have the necessary knowledge, experience, and skills regarding natural gas distribution systems to review and certify construction plans for accuracy, completeness, and correctness, but are not subject to §B of this regulation.
D. The following types of designed natural gas infrastructure project work are designated as covered projects and require documented approval by a licensed professional engineer:
(1) New installation or modification that creates or alters the designed operating pressure of a district pressure regulator station or gate station.
(2) Installation of new or substantial reconfiguration of compressor stations.
(3) Installation, uprating, or abandonment of intrastate transmission lines.
(4) Any distribution main piping modifications or replacement work falling within the established district regulator awareness zones established by each operator.
(5) Any construction work on distribution mains which uprates the piping maximum allowable operating pressure.
(6) Installation of distribution mains, including replacements and extension projects, which attach to bridges or other engineered structures.
(7) Trenchless technology installations where the force used to pull the pipe and the path that the pipe follows while being pulled might result in damage to the pipe as a consequence of using that technology.
(8) Peak shaving facility installations and modifications or reconfigurations that would alter its pressure delivery characteristics.
(9) Any other designed natural gas infrastructure project work that presents a material risk of high consequence to public safety as determined by the gas company.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 56 - LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS SYSTEMS › Chapter 20.56.01 - General Regulations › Section 20.56.01.02 - Definition of Terms

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. In this subtitle, the following terms have the meanings indicated.
B. Terms Defined.
(1) "Accident" has the meaning stated in Public Utility Companies Article, §5-304, Annotated Code of Maryland.
(2) "Accuracy" means the degree of conformity of a measure to a standard or true value.
(3) "Associated metering device" means an instrument used to adjust the quantity of gas measured by a meter, based on the measurement of the:
(a) Temperature of the gas passing through the meter;
(b) Pressure of the gas passing through the meter; or
(c) Temperature and pressure of the gas passing through the meter.
(4) "Check flow" means a flow of gas at 20-50 percent of the rated capacity of a meter.
(5) "Commission" means the Public Service Commission of Maryland.
(6) "Full rated flow" means a flow of gas at approximately 100 percent of the rated capacity of a meter.
(7) "Gas" means LPG in the vapor state.
(8) "LPG" means liquified petroleum gas which includes propane, or butane, or other combustible gases, or mixtures thereof.
(9) "LPG system" means an LPG service installation located in Maryland that provides service to:
(a) Ten or more customers by underground pipes from a LPG storage tank; or
(b) At least two but fewer than ten customers by underground pipes from a LPG storage tank, if a portion of the LPG system is located in a public place.
(10) "Meter" means a device used by an owner to measure a quantity of gas.
(11) "Owner" means the person, as defined in Public Utilities Article, §1-101, Annotated Code of Maryland, owning the LPG system.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 56 - LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS SYSTEMS › Chapter 20.56.01 - General Regulations › Section 20.56.01.03 - General Requirements

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Each owner shall provide the Commission with the following information in writing:
(1) The location of each LPG system;
(2) The number of customers or dwelling units provided service by each LPG system; and
(3) The name, address, and telephone number of the office of the person responsible for each LPG system.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 56 - LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS SYSTEMS › Chapter 20.56.01 - General Regulations › Section 20.56.01.04 - Incorporation by Reference

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. In this chapter, the following documents are incorporated by reference:
(1) 49 CFR Part 191 Transportation of Natural Gas and Other Gas by Pipeline; Annual Reports, Incident Reports, and Safety Related Condition Reports, as amended;
(2) 49 CFR Part 192 Transportation of Natural and Other Gas by Pipeline: Minimum Federal Safety Standards, as amended; and
(3) The applicable provisions in the GPTC Guide for Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems, which is incorporated by reference under COMAR 20.55.02.02B.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 56 - LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS SYSTEMS › Chapter 20.56.01 - General Regulations › Section 20.56.01.05 - Enforcement

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Public Utilities Article, §§2-117(a), 5-101, 5-304, 12-101 -12-113, and 13-203, Annotated Code of Maryland, shall apply to the owners of LPG systems to the extent ordered by the Commission.
B. The Commission is an authorized agent of the United States Department of Transportation for the administration and enforcement of these regulations and those federal regulations that apply to LPG systems in this State.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 56 - LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS SYSTEMS › Chapter 20.56.01 - General Regulations › Section 20.56.01.06 - Inspections and Tests

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Upon reasonable notice, a representative of the Commission shall be given access to each LPG system in order to conduct tests or inspections to assure compliance with these regulations.
B. Routine inspections of the LPG systems shall be made during regular business hours and may be inspected at any time in the event of an emergency or incident.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 56 - LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS SYSTEMS › Chapter 20.56.01 - General Regulations › Section 20.56.01.07 - Gas Leak Surveys

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Frequency of Leak Surveys. Each owner shall conduct a gas leak survey of a LPG pipeline system in accordance with the following schedule:
(1) At least once each calendar year, at intervals not exceeding 15 months, for a pipeline located in a business district or place of public assembly;
(2) At least once every 3 calendar years, at intervals not exceeding 39 months, for a pipeline made of cast iron, ductile iron, and cathodically unprotected steel; or
(3) At least once every 5 calendar years, at intervals not exceeding 63 months, for all other types of pipelines.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 56 - LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS SYSTEMS › Chapter 20.56.01 - General Regulations › Section 20.56.01.08 - Pipeline Location

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Identification.
(1) An owner shall install tracer wire on all newly installed plastic pipes.
(2) When the open trenching method of pipeline construction is used, an owner shall install suitable identification tape at least 12 inches above the top of the pipe.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 56 - LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS SYSTEMS › Chapter 20.56.01 - General Regulations › Section 20.56.01.09 - Records and Reports

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Each owner of a LPG system shall maintain records and provide reports to the Commission as required by this regulation.
B. Fatal Accidents.
(1) In the event of a fatal accident, an owner shall promptly notify the Commission of the fatal accident by telephone.
(2) A written report shall be submitted to the Commission within 20 days of the date of the incident resulting in the fatal accident reported under §B(1) of this regulation.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 56 - LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS SYSTEMS › Chapter 20.56.02 - Metering › Section 20.56.02.01 - Meter Requirements

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Except for LPG systems installed before October 1, 2001, all customers shall be billed on the basis of the metered measurement of gas.
B. The Commission shall approve any meter and associated metering device installed for billing purposes.