reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 3 - METERS › Section 103-426 - Change in Character of Service

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A.
				In order that the gas utility may provide a proper service facility and
				metering installation, the customer shall advise the gas utility of the
				expected service requirements and shall also advise the gas utility of any
				increase or decrease in the load to be provided by the gas utility in
				sufficient time to change service characteristics.
B. In case any substantial change is made by
				the gas utility in the service conditions which would affect the operation or
				adjustment of appliances of customers, the affected appliances shall be
				readjusted by the gas utility for the conditions without charge.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-430 - Customer Information

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Each gas utility shall:
a. Maintain up-to-date maps, plans, or
				records of its entire transmission and distribution systems, with such other
				information as may be necessary to enable the gas utility to advise prospective
				customers, and others entitled to the information, as to the facilities
				available for serving customers within its operating area.
b. Notify each affected customer in writing,
				as prescribed by the commission, of any proposed change in rates and charges.
				Unless the commission orders otherwise, this notice requirement shall not apply
				to Purchased Gas Adjustments, Curtailment Adjustments, and Exploration
				Adjustments. Certification that the above notice requirement has been met shall
				be furnished to the commission and ORS by the gas utility.
c. Post a notice in a conspicuous place on
				the utility's website and in each local office of the gas utility where
				applications for service are received, informing the public that copies of the
				rate schedules and rules relating to the service of the gas utility, as
				approved by the commission, are available for inspection at the gas utility or
				for download.
d. Upon request,
				inform its customers as to the method of reading meters, as to billing
				procedures, and shall assist customers in selecting the most economical rate
				schedule applicable and method of metering the service, except as otherwise
				provided for by the commission.
e.
				Each gas system shall provide adequate means (telephone, etc.) whereby each
				customer can contact the gas system or authorized representative at all hours
				in cases of emergency or unscheduled interruptions of service.
f. Each gas utility shall, upon request, give
				its customers such information and assistance as is reasonable and proper in
				order that customers may secure safe and efficient service.
g. Notify any customer making a complaint
				recorded pursuant to regulation 103-445, that the gas utility is under the
				jurisdiction of the commission and the customer may notify the commission and
				ORS of the customer's complaint.
h.
				Notify each affected customer of the possibility and degree of anticipated
				seasonal natural gas curtailments. Such notification shall be sent by the gas
				utility to its customers as soon as the gas utility becomes aware of the
				possible imposition of any curtailment. The ORS shall be informed by the gas
				utility whenever such notification has been given to its customers.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-431 - Customer Deposits

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. Each gas
				utility may require from any customer or from any prospective customer, a
				deposit intended to guarantee payment of bills for service, if any of the
				following conditions exist:
1. The customer's
				past payment record to a gas utility shows delinquent payment practice, i.e.,
				customer has had two consecutive thirty-day arrears, or more than two
				non-consecutive thirty-day arrears in the past twenty-four months, or
2. A new customer cannot demonstrate that he
				is a satisfactory credit risk by appropriate means including, but not limited
				to, letters of good credit from a utility, or references which may be quickly
				and inexpensively checked by the Company or cannot furnish an acceptable
				cosigner or guarantor on the same system within the state of South Carolina to
				guarantee payment, up to the amount of the maximum deposit, or
3. A customer has no deposit and presently is
				delinquent in payments, i.e., has had two consecutive thirty-day arrears, or
				more than two non-consecutive thirty-day arrears in the past twenty-four
				months, or
4. A customer has had
				the customer's service terminated for non-payment or fraudulent use.
5. A non-residential customer or its parent
				company is experiencing financial difficulties as determined by a gas utility
				using its respective internal credit risk rating criteria (even if the customer
				has not yet defaulted or caused a default on a payment obligation to the
				utility) and has not negotiated an alternative payment plan designed to
				mitigate the utility's risk of loss. The gas utility may use a variety of
				security options other than the payment of a two-month cash deposit, including
				but not limited to, accelerated payment plans, surety bonds, bank letters of
				credit or some combination of the above. All gas utilities engaging in
				negotiated payment solutions must provide a copy of their respective internal
				credit risk rating criteria upon request by the Office of Regulatory
				Staff.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-432 - Amount of Deposit

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. A maximum
				deposit may be required up to an amount equal to an estimated two months (sixty
				days) bill for a new customer or a maximum deposit may be required up to an
				amount equal to the total actual bills of the highest two consecutive months
				based on the experience of the preceding twelve months or portion of the year,
				if on a seasonal basis.
B. All
				deposits may be subject to review based on the actual experience of the
				customer. The amount of the deposit may be adjusted upward or downward to
				reflect the actual billing experience and payment habits of the
				customer.
C. A schedule of deposits
				based upon an analysis of sixty days usage for categories of customers may be
				required by the company upon being provided to the ORS and filed and approved
				by the commission.
D. Special
				offerings may be exempt as determined by the commission.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-433 - Interest on Deposits

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. Simple
				interest on deposits at the rate of the current effective interest rate per
				annum prescribed by Order of the South Carolina Public Service Commission shall
				be paid by the gas utility to each customer required to make such deposit for
				the time it is held by the gas utility, provided that no interest need to be
				paid unless the deposit is held longer than six months.
B. The interest shall be accrued annually and
				payment of such interest shall be made to the customer every two years or less
				and at the time the deposit is returned.
C. The deposit shall cease to draw interest
				on the date it is returned, on the date service is terminated, or on the date
				notice is sent that the deposit is no longer required to the customer's last
				known address, by bill insert, or by the notice method selected by the gas
				utility customer and maintained in the customer's records at the gas
				utility.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-434 - Deposit Records

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Each gas utility shall keep records as to show:
a. The name and address of each
				depositor.
b. The amount and date
				of the deposit.
c. Each transaction
				concerning the deposits.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-435 - Deposit Receipt

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Each gas utility shall issue a receipt of deposit to each
				  customer from whom a deposit is received and shall provide means whereby a
				  customer may establish his claim if his receipt is lost.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-436 - Deposit Retention

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. Deposits
				shall be refunded completely with interest after two years unless the customer
				has had two consecutive thirty-day arrears, or more than two non-consecutive
				thirty-day arrears, in the past twenty-four months.
B. A gas utility shall not be required to
				refund the deposit if a non-residential customer or its parent company is
				experiencing financial difficulties as determined by a gas utility using its
				respective internal credit risk rating criteria and/or if bankruptcy may be
				imminent, even though the customer continues to make billed payments in a
				timely manner.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-437 - Unclaimed Deposit

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A record of each unclaimed deposit must be maintained for at
				  least one year, during which time the gas utility shall make a reasonable
				  effort to return the deposit. Unclaimed deposits, together with accrued
				  interest, shall be turned over to the South Carolina State Treasurer as
				  prescribed by state law.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-438 - Deposit Credit

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Where a customer has been required to make a guarantee
				  deposit, this shall not relieve the customer of the obligation to pay the
				  service bills when due. Where such deposit has been made and service has been
				  discontinued for reason of non-payment of bill or otherwise, a gas utility
				  shall apply the deposit of such customer toward the discharge of such account
				  and shall as soon thereafter as practicable, refund the customer any excess of
				  the deposit. If, however, the customer whose service has been disconnected for
				  non-payment, pays the full amount billed within seventy-two hours after service
				  has been disconnected and applies for reconnection, the gas utility may not
				  charge an additional deposit except under the provisions of regulation
				  103-432.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-439 - Customer Billing

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
The gas utility shall bill each customer as promptly as
				  practicable following the reading of the meter and render a receipt of payment
				  upon request.
1. New Service. Meters
				shall be read at the initiation and termination of any service and billing
				shall be based thereon.
2. Bill
				Forms. The bill shall show:
a. The reading of
				the meter at the beginning and at the end of the period for which the bill is
				rendered.
b. The date on which the
				meter was read, and the date of billing and the latest date on which it may be
				paid without incurring a penalty and the method of calculating such
				penalty.
c. The number and kind of
				units metered.
d. The applicable
				rate schedule, or identification of the applicable rate schedule. If the actual
				rates are not shown, the bill should carry a statement to the effect that the
				applicable rate schedule will be furnished on request.
e. Any estimated usage shall be clearly
				marked with the word "estimate" or "estimated bill".
f. Any conversions from meter reading units
				to billing units or any information necessary to determine billing units from
				recording or other devices, or any other factors, such as BTU adjustments, used
				in determining the bill. In lieu of such information on the bill, a statement
				must be on the bill advising that such information can be obtained by
				contacting the gas utility's local office.
g. Amount for gas usage.
h. Amount of South Carolina Sales Tax
				(dollars and cents).
i. Total
				amount due.
j. Number of days for
				which bill is rendered or beginning and ending dates for the billing
				period.
k. The telephone number and
				email address of the Office of Regulatory Staff.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-440 - Adjustment of Bills

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
If it is found that a gas utility has directly or indirectly,
				  by any device whatsoever, demanded, charged, collected or received from any
				  customer a greater or less compensation for any service rendered or to be
				  rendered by such gas utility than that prescribed in the schedules of such gas
				  utility applicable, thereto then filed in the manner provided in Title 58 of
				  the South Carolina Code of Laws or if it is found that any customer has
				  received or accepted any service from a gas utility for a compensation greater
				  or less than that prescribed in such schedules; or if, for any reason, billing
				  error has resulted in a greater or lesser charge than that incurred by the
				  customer for the actual service rendered, then the method of adjustment for
				  such overcharge or undercharge shall be as provided by the following:
1. Fast or Slow Meters. If the overcharge or
				undercharge is the result of a fast or slow meter, then the method of
				compensation shall be as follows:
a. In case
				of a disputed account, involving the accuracy of a meter, such meter shall be
				tested upon request of the customer, as specified in regulation
				103-472.
b. In the event that the
				meter so tested is found to have an error in registration of more than two
				percent, the bill shall be increased or decreased accordingly, if the time at
				which the error first developed or occurred can be definitely determined. If
				such time cannot be determined, such correction shall not be made for more than
				six months.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-441 - Applications for Service

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
1. Method.
				Applications for service may be verbal or in writing.
2. Obligation. The applicant shall, at the
				option of the gas utility, be required to sign a service agreement or contract.
				In the absence of such a service agreement or contract, accepted application
				shall constitute a contract between the gas utility and the applicant,
				obligating the applicant to pay for service in accordance with the gas
				utility's tariff or rate schedule currently on file with the commission and the
				ORS, and to comply with the commission's and the gas utility's rules and
				regulations governing service supplied by the gas utility.
3. Termination. When a customer desires to
				have his service terminated, he must notify the gas utility; such notification
				may be verbal or in writing. The gas utility shall be allowed a reasonable
				period of time after receipt of such notice to take a final reading of the
				meter and to discontinue service.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-442 - Reasons for Denial or Discontinuance of Service

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Unless otherwise stated, a customer shall be allowed a
				  reasonable time in which to correct any discrepancy which may cause
				  discontinued service.
Service may be denied or discontinued for any of the
				  following reasons:
a. Without notice
				in the event of a condition determined by the gas utility to be hazardous or
				dangerous.
b. Without notice in the
				event of customer use of equipment in such a manner as to adversely affect the
				gas utility's service to others.
c.
				Without notice in the event of unauthorized or fraudulent use of gas utility
				service e.g.:
1. Misrepresentation of the
				customer's identity.
2. For
				reconnection of service by customer who has had service discontinued for
				violation of and/or non-compliance with the commission's regulation 103-442 et
				seq.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-443 - Insufficient Reasons for Denying Service

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
The following shall not constitute cause for refusal of
				  service to a present or prospective customer:
a. Non-payment for services by a previous
				occupant of the premises to be served, unless such previous occupant shall
				benefit from such new service.
b.
				Failure to pay for merchandise purchased from the gas utility.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-444 - Right of Access

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Authorized agents of the gas system shall have the right of
				  access to premises supplied with gas service at reasonable hours, for the
				  purpose of reading meters, examining facilities and pipes, maintenance, repair,
				  observing the manner of using service and for any other purpose which is proper
				  and necessary in the conduct of the gas system's business.
Such agents shall, upon request of a customer, produce proper
				  identification and inform the customer of the purpose of necessary access to
				  occupied premises.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-445 - Complaints

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. Complaints
				concerning the charges, practices, facilities, or service of the gas utility,
				shall be investigated promptly, thoroughly and professionally by the gas
				utility. Each gas utility shall keep a record of all such complaints received,
				which record shall show the name and address of the complainant, the date and
				character of the complaint, and the adjustment or disposal made thereof. The
				gas utility shall keep such records of customer complaints as will enable it to
				review and analyze its procedures and actions.
B. Unless otherwise specified by the
				commission, when the ORS has notified the gas utility that a complaint has been
				received concerning a specific account, the gas utility shall refrain from
				discontinuing the service of that account for the matter which is the subject
				of the complaint, until the ORS's investigation is completed, and the results
				have been received by the gas utility. Service shall not be discontinued if the
				complainant requests in writing a hearing before the commission within fifteen
				days of ORS mailing the results of the ORS investigation, along with a copy of
				regulation 103-445, to the complainant. If the complainant does not file the
				complaint with the commission within fifteen days, service can be
				discontinued.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-446 - Contracts, Rate Schedules, Rules and Regulations

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Copies of all schedules of rates for service, contracts for
				  service which involve rates, forms of contracts for service, charges for
				  service connections and extensions of mains, and all rules and regulations
				  concerning the relations between the customer and gas utility, shall be filed
				  with the commission by each gas utility and shall be subject to prior approval
				  by the commission. All contracts for service between any industrial customer
				  and any gas utility which establish or adjust rates for any industrial customer
				  shall be filed with the commission by each gas utility and may become effective
				  as of the date of the contracts, unless disapproved or modified by the
				  commission. Complete schedules, contract forms, rules and regulations, etc., as
				  filed with the commission, shall also be available for public inspection at the
				  local offices of the gas utility.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-447 - System Which Gas Utility Must Maintain

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Each gas utility, unless specifically relieved by the
				  commission from such obligation, shall operate and maintain in safe, efficient
				  and proper conditions all of the facilities and equipment used in connection
				  with the regulation, measurement and delivery of gas to any customer up to and
				  including the point of delivery into the piping owned by the
				  customer.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-448 - System Extensions

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
When a prospective customer or customers of a gas utility
				  makes application for service at a point not immediately adjacent to a service
				  facility of a gas utility, and as long as the requirement for such service is
				  reasonable, and the prospective service is in territory assigned by the
				  commission to the gas utility, the gas utility shall render service under
				  reasonable terms and conditions, unless otherwise authorized by the
				  commission.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-449 - Replacement of Meters

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Whenever a customer requests the replacement of the gas meter
				  on his premises, such request shall be treated as a request for the test of
				  such meter, and, as such, shall fall under the provisions of regulation 103-475
				  and shall be subject to the provisions of regulation 103-472.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-450 - Service Entrance Changes

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Whenever a customer requests the gas utility to relocate the
				  gas utility's service entrance, the gas utility may require reasonable charges
				  to cover costs incurred to be paid prior to the relocation.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-451 - Temporary Service

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
When the gas utility renders temporary service to a customer,
				  it may require that the customer bear all cost of installing and removing the
				  service in excess of any salvage realized.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-452 - Procedures for Termination of Service

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Prior to the termination of gas service pursuant to 103-442
				  e-m, the following procedures shall be employed by the gas utility:
a. Not less than ten days prior to
				termination of service, the gas utility shall mail a notice of termination to
				the affected customer. The notice of termination of service shall include, as a
				minimum, the following information:
1.
				Address, telephone number and working hours of the person(s) to be contacted by
				the customer for the arrangement of a personal interview with an employee of
				the gas utility with the authority to accept full payment or make other payment
				arrangements.
2. The total amount
				owed by the customer for gas services rendered, the date and amount of the last
				payment and the date by which the customer must either pay in full the amount
				outstanding or make satisfactory arrangements for payment by installments of
				such amount.
3. Special Needs
				Customers.
a. A statement that service to a
				residential customer who qualifies as a special needs account customer shall
				only be terminated in accordance with S.C. Code Ann. Section
				58-5-1110
				et. seq., as amended. All gas utilities shall publish their procedures for
				termination of service on their websites.
b. The statement that service to a
				residential customer during the months of December through March will not be
				terminated where such customer, or a member of his household at the premises to
				which service is rendered, can furnish to the utility, no less than (3) days
				prior to termination of service, or to the terminating crew at time of
				termination, a certificate on a form provided by the utility and signed by a
				licensed physician, that termination of gas service would be especially
				dangerous to such person's health. Such certificate must be signed by the
				customer and state that such customer is unable to pay in full the amount of
				the charges due for gas service or is unable to pay by installments. A
				certification shall expire on the thirty-first day from the date of execution
				by the physician. Such certification may be renewed no more than three (3)
				times for an additional thirty (30) day period each. Upon renewal of the
				certification, the gas utility shall advise the customer that he may wish to
				call the local social service agency to determine what public or private
				assistance may be available to him.
4. The availability of investigation and
				review of any unresolved dispute by the ORS and include the ORS's toll free
				telephone number.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 5 - ENGINEERING › Section 103-460 - Criteria for Good Engineering Practice

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
The gas plant of a gas system shall be constructed,
				  installed, maintained, and operated in accordance with good engineering
				  practices and regulations included by reference as part of these rules to
				  assure, as far as reasonably possible, continuity of service, uniformity in the
				  quality of service furnished, and the safety of persons and
				  property.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 5 - ENGINEERING › Section 103-461 - Acceptable Standards

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Unless otherwise specified by the commission, after hearing
				  if requested, the gas system shall use the applicable provisions in the
				  publications listed below as operational references, where applicable, and as
				  standards of accepted good engineering practices.
a. The edition of the American Standard Code
				for "Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems", ANSI B31.8. as
				referenced in the Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations.
b. The latest edition of the American
				Standards Association Pamphlet, ASA Z21.30, "Installation of Gas Appliances and
				Gas Piping in Buildings", or the latest edition of the National Board of Fire
				Underwriters publication NFPA No. 54, "Piping, Appliances and Fittings for City
				Gas".
c. The edition of the NFPA
				No. 59, "The Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases at Utility Gas
				Plants" as referenced in the Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations.
d. "Standard Methods of Gas Testing",
				Circular No. 48, National Bureau of Standards, 1961. (The applicable portions
				of this Circular have been substantially reproduced in the American Meter
				Company Handbook E-4, covering the testing of positive displacement
				meters).
e. "Testing Large Capacity
				Rotary Gas Meters", Research Paper No. 1741, National Bureau of Standards
				Journal of Research, September, 1946.
f. "Orifice Metering of Natural Gas", Report
				No. 3 of the AGA Gas Measurement Committee.
g. "Standard Method of Test for Calorific
				Value of Gaseous Fuels by Water-Flow Calorimeter", American Society for Testing
				Materials, Standard D 900-55.
h.
				The edition of NFPA No. 59A, "Storage and Handling of Liquefied Natural Gas" as
				referenced in the Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 5 - ENGINEERING › Section 103-462 - Acceptable

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
The following publications are considered by this commission
				  to be acceptable references:
a.
				"Accuracy of the Recording Gas Calorimeter When Used With Gases of High BTU
				Content", by John H. Eisemen, National Bureau of Standards, and Elwin A.
				Potter, Gas Inspection Bureau of the District of Columbia, AGA Publication No.
				CEP-55-13.
b. Reports prepared by
				the Practical Methods Committee of the Appalachian Gas Measurement Short
				Course, West Virginia University, as follows:
(1) Report No. 1, "Method of Testing Large
				Capacity Displacement Meters".
(2)
				Report No. 2, "Testing Orifice Meters".
(3) Report No. 3, "Designing and Installing
				Measuring and Regulating Stations".
(4) Report No. 4, "Useful Tables for Gas
				Men".
(5) Report No. 5, "Prover
				Room Practices".
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 5 - ENGINEERING › Section 103-463 - Adequacy of Service

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
The source of supply and transmission facilities for gas,
				  and/or production and/or storage capacity of the gas utility's plant,
				  supplemented by the gas supply regularly available from other sources, must to
				  the extent reasonably practicable, be sufficiently large to meet all reasonably
				  expectable demands for firm service, unless otherwise authorized by the
				  commission.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 5 - ENGINEERING › Section 103-464 - Inspection of Plant

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Each gas system shall adopt a program of inspection of its
				  gas plant in order to determine the necessity for replacement and repair. The
				  frequency of the various inspections shall be based on the gas system's
				  experience and accepted good practice.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 5 - ENGINEERING › Section 103-465 - Inactive Service Lines

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
1. Service
				Lines. Each gas system shall conduct a study at intervals not exceeding
				twenty-four months to determine the number of inactive service lines in their
				system and shall take necessary steps to meet the following:
a. Inactive service lines for which there is
				no definite plan for future use or reasonable possibility for future use or are
				found to be in unsafe condition shall be physically disconnected from the gas
				supply at the main, purged and the open pipe ends shall be sealed.
b. Inactive service lines for which there is
				a definite plan for future use or a reasonable possibility for future use may
				remain connected to the gas supply at the main if such lines are found to be in
				safe condition, provided that in addition to maintaining such lines in
				accordance with all other applicable requirements, such lines be monitored at
				intervals not exceeding twenty-four months by leakage survey to detect
				conditions detrimental to public safety.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 6 - INSPECTION AND TESTS › Section 103-470 - Utility Inspection and Tests

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A.
				Each gas utility shall make such tests as are prescribed under these rules with
				such frequency and in such manner and at such places as is herein provided, as
				requested by the ORS or as may be approved or ordered by the commission. Unless
				otherwise directed by the commission, the methods and apparatus recommended by
				the National Bureau of Standards in the latest edition of its Circular No. 48,
				"Standard Methods of Gas Testing" may be used.
B. When the gas itself is to be tested
				pursuant to these rules, a "cubic foot" shall mean the quantity of gas
				necessary to fill a cubic foot of space when the gas is at an absolute pressure
				of 14.73 pounds per square inch and at a temperature of sixty degrees
				Fahrenheit. For purposes of measurement of gas to a customer a cubic foot of
				gas shall be taken to be the amount of gas which occupies a volume of one cubic
				foot under the conditions existing in such customer's meter as and where
				installed.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 6 - INSPECTION AND TESTS › Section 103-471 - Periodic Tests

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
These test periods may be extended upon application and
				  approved by the commission, providing that the gas utility can prove by its own
				  records that different test periods are adequate for the protection of the
				  public. Meters may be tested and calibrated in accordance with "Sample Meter
				  Testing Plans" approved by the commission; and gas utilities using a "Sample
				  Meter Testing Plan" shall continue to advise the commission of the results of
				  the operation of the plan.
a. Positive
				Displacement Meters.
(1) Up to 251 c.f./hr.
				(at .5 in. water column differential pressure with non-absorptive
				diaphragm)-Ten years.
(2) 251 to
				3000 c.f./hr (at .5 in. water column differential pressure)-Three
				years.
(3) Over 3000 c.f./hr. (at
				.5 in. water column differential pressure)-Two years.
b.
Orifice Meters.
Six Months.
c.
Turbine Meters.
Six Months.
d.
Base Pressure Correcting Devices.
Two Years.
e.
Base Volume Correcting Devices.
Two Years.
f.
Recording Pressure and Temperature Gauges.
One Year.
g.
Secondary Standards.
(1) Test Bottles, one cubic foot
Five Years.
(2) Dead Weight Testers including Weights Working
								Standards.
Five Years.
h.
(1) Bell Provers
Five Years.
(2) Flow Provers
Five Years.
(3) Transfer Provers
Five Years.
(4) Laboratory Quality Indicating Pressure
								Gauges
Six Months.
(5) Laboratory Quality Thermometers
Six Months.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 6 - INSPECTION AND TESTS › Section 103-472 - Meter Testing on Request of Customer

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. Each gas utility shall, at any time when
				requested in writing by a customer upon reasonable notice, test the accuracy of
				the meter in use by him.
B. No
				deposit or payment shall be required from the customer for such meter test
				except when the customer requests a meter test within one year after date of
				installation or of the last previous test of this meter, in which case the
				customer may be required by the gas utility to deposit an amount, to cover the
				reasonable cost of such test, as approved by the commission in the gas
				utility's tariff or service regulation. The amount so deposited with the gas
				utility shall be refunded or credited to the customer if the meter is found,
				when tested, to register more than two percent fast or slow; otherwise the
				deposit shall be retained by the gas utility.
C. A customer may request to be present when
				the gas utility conducts the test on his meter, or if he desires, may send a
				representative appointed by him. The gas utility shall honor such
				request.
D. A report giving the
				name of the customer requesting the test; the date of the request; the location
				of the premises where the meter has been installed; the type, make, size and
				serial number of the meter; the date of removal; the date tested; and the
				result of the test shall be supplied to such customer within a reasonable time
				after the completion of the test.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 6 - INSPECTION AND TESTS › Section 103-473 - ORS Inspection and Tests

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
The ORS shall make tests of meters as follows:
a. Upon order of the commission or request to
				the ORS by a customer or gas utility, a test will be made of customer's meters
				as soon as practicable.
b. On
				receipt of such request the ORS shall notify the gas utility and the gas
				utility shall not remove or adjust the meter until instructed by the ORS. The
				gas utility shall furnish to the ORS's representative such reasonable
				assistance as may be required.
c.
				The customer shall be notified of the test in sufficient time to allow him or
				his representative to be present.
d. The ORS shall make a written report of the
				results of the test to the customer and to the gas utility.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 6 - INSPECTION AND TESTS › Section 103-475 - Test Procedures and Accuracies

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
1. Pre-Installation Inspection.
a. Every meter and/or associated metering
				device shall be inspected and sealed before being placed in service.
b. New or reconditioned meters which have
				been sealed at the factory need not be resealed in the shop of the gas
				utility.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 7 - STANDARDS AND QUALITY OF SERVICE › Section 103-480 - Quality of Service

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. Each gas
				utility shall provide the best gas service that can be reasonably expected from
				the facilities of that gas utility. When the quality of gas service falls below
				what can be reasonably expected, the gas utility shall, as soon as practicable,
				provide the proper gas service.
B.
				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.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 7 - STANDARDS AND QUALITY OF SERVICE › Section 103-481 - Interruption of Service

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. Each
				gas 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 of its employees, customers and the
				general public.
B. 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.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 7 - STANDARDS AND QUALITY OF SERVICE › Section 103-482 - Restrictions on Use of Service

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A.
				The gas utility may impose reasonable restrictions on the use of service during
				periods of shortage of supply, excessive demand or other difficulty which
				jeopardizes the supply of service to any group of customers.
B. Restrictions on the use of service made
				necessary by the shortage of supply shall be made in conformity with the gas
				utility's curtailment plan approved by the commission.
C. The gas utility may impose reasonable
				restrictions on the use of service by customers who create conditions which
				prevent the gas utility from supplying satisfactory service to that customer,
				or to other customers.
D. If a gas
				utility finds that it is necessary to restrict the use of service, it shall
				notify its customers, and give the commission and the ORS written notice,
				except in emergencies, before such restriction becomes effective. Such
				notifications shall specify but not be limited to:
1. The reason for the restriction.
2. The nature and extent of the restriction
				of use by certain classes of customers, etc.
3. The date such restriction is to go into
				effect.
4. The probable date of
				termination of such restriction.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 7 - STANDARDS AND QUALITY OF SERVICE › Section 103-483 - Special Tests

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Before permitting the initial use of gas at any location, a
				  certificate of inspections and tests of the customer-owned piping shall be
				  furnished the gas system by the customer or by the local inspecting authority.
				  All such inspections and tests shall be made in accordance with applicable
				  local codes. In the absence of a local code such inspections and tests shall be
				  in accordance with minimum standards set forth in the latest edition of
				  Southern Standard Gas Code, and the customer or his contractor shall furnish
				  the gas system a certificate of such inspections and tests. The gas system
				  shall advise the customer of this requirement upon initial application for gas
				  service. When gas is turned on by the gas system, the gas system shall take
				  reasonable precaution to prevent potential hazards and, as a minimum
				  precaution, shall make a check for leakage using the gas meter in accordance
				  with a procedure at least equal to that described in the latest edition of the
				  American Standard Installation of Gas Appliances and Gas Piping ASA Z21.30. A
				  visual examination of gas utility owned exposed piping and components thereof,
				  along with soil and vegetation conditions in the general vicinity of buried
				  piping and components shall be conducted as a minimum precaution for the
				  discovery of any existing or potential hazards.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 7 - STANDARDS AND QUALITY OF SERVICE › Section 103-485 - System Pressure Monitoring

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A.
				Each gas system shall maintain on its distribution system in each city in which
				it supplies gas a sufficient number of recording devices, but not less than
				one, to ensure detections of abnormal system pressures. No gas system shall
				maintain less than two such recording pressure gauges of which one should be
				portable. Electronic and/or remote type devices may be utilized in addition to
				maintaining a portable pressure recording gauge.
B. Each gas system shall keep records of each
				test of pressures in various parts of its distribution systems. The records
				obtained shall include as a minimum, the date, time, and location where the
				pressure was taken and shall be retained for a two year period. These records
				may be electronic with suitable back-up means, and the ability to generate a
				hard copy upon request of the ORS.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 8 - SAFETY › Section 103-490 - General

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. The commission
				hereby adopts the Federal Minimum Safety Standards for the Transportation of
				Natural and Other Gas, 49 C.F.R. as applicable to gas systems and as amended
				from time to time, except where otherwise ordered by the commission.
B. Under the authority of S. C. Code Ann.
				Section
				58-5-980
				(1976), the commission herein establishes additional minimum safety standards,
				as noted infra. Such modifications reflect additional requirements to those
				established by 49 C.F.R., and are not to be construed as deleting the existing
				Federal requirement.
C. Under the
				authority of S. C. Code Ann. Section
				58-5-960
				(1976), the safety standards adopted by the commission apply to all gas
				systems.
D. As criteria of accepted
				good safety practice, in addition to those of 49 C.F.R., as amended from time
				to time, the commission will use the applicable provisions of the standards
				listed in regulation 103-461.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 8 - SAFETY › Section 103-491 - Protective Measures

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. Each gas
				system shall exercise reasonable care to reduce the hazards to which its
				employees, its customers, and the general public may be subjected.
B. The gas system shall give reasonable
				assistance to the ORS in the investigation of the cause of accidents and shall
				give reasonable assistance to the commission and the ORS in the determination
				of suitable means of preventing accidents.
C. Each gas system shall maintain a summary
				of all reportable accidents arising from its operations.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 8 - SAFETY › Section 103-492 - Safety Program

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Each gas system shall adopt and execute a safety program,
				  fitted to the size and type of its operations. As a minimum, the safety program
				  should comply with the Federal Regulations: Minimum Safety Standards for the
				  Transportation of Natural and Other Gas, 49 C.F.R., as amended from time to
				  time:
a. Require employees to use
				suitable tools and equipment in order that they may perform their work in a
				safe manner.
b. Instruct employees
				in safe methods of performing their work.
c. Instruct employees, who, in the course of
				their work are subject to the hazard of electrical shock, asphyxiation or
				drowning, in accepted methods of artificial respiration.
d. Establish liaison with appropriate public
				officials including fire and police officials in anticipation of a potential
				emergency.
e. Establish an
				educational program to enable customers and the general public to recognize and
				report a gas emergency to the appropriate officials.