COM/LR1/jt2 Date of Issuance 11/17/2016 Decision 16-11-008 November 10, 2016 BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF Order Instituting Rulemaking on the Commission’s Own Motion to Revise General Order 58A to Comply with Decision 14-01-034. Rulemaking 16-07-006 (Filed July 14, 2016) DECISION REVISING GENERAL ORDER 58A TO COMPLY WITH DECISION 14-01-034 Summary General Order (GO) 58A sets forth the Commission’s rules governing gas service. It applies to all public utilities furnishing gas and operating under the jurisdiction of the Commission. This decision revises GO 58A STANDARDS FOR GAS SERVICE IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA to adopt standards for constituents of concern found in biomethane as directed by Decision 14-01-034 and California Health and Safety Code Section 25421. Background California Health and Safety Code Section 25421 requires, in part, that the Commission adopt standards reasonably necessary to ensure the protection of human health and pipeline facility integrity and safety for constituents of concern that may be found in biomethane. Decision (D.) 14-01-034 was issued to implement California Health and Safety Code Section 25421. D.14-01-034, Finding of Fact 30, states:
c. Under certain conditions utilities may be authorized to deviate from Section 13.a. and use a statistical meter control program based on meter performance as demonstrated by sample testing in lieu of periodic testing of each meter. Applications to deviate shall be based on accepted principles of statistical sampling. 14. Standard Methods of Testing Gas Meters Each gas utility shall adopt and maintain standard methods of testing gas meters. These methods and the facilities used shall be reported to the Commission for approval. 15. Meter Testing Equipment a. Unless otherwise specifically authorized by the Commission, each gas utility own at least one meter prover for diaphragm type meters, of a type approved by the Commission and shall maintain such equipment in proper adjustment and so calibrated that the error of indication shall not exceed one-half percent (1/2%). No meter prover not having temperature compensation, shall be so placed as to be subject to excessive temperature variation and each meter prover shall be equipped with suitable thermometers and other necessary accessories. b. Each utility using orifice meters or other large volume meters shall determine meter accuracy in accordance with accepted industry standards and practices. c. The accuracy of all provers and methods of operation will be established from time to time by a representative of the Commission. Any alterations, accidents, or repairs might affect the accuracy of any meter prover, or the method of operating same, shall be promptly reported in writing to the Commission. d. Proving and calibration devices used for the requirements specified in these rules shall be traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology. e. This section is applicable to those utilities authorized to use recognized meter test and repair shops, other than their own, for testing and/or repairing all or a portion of meters removed from service. Results of such tests, together with relevant data, shall be furnished the Commission with the utility’s statement including: 1. The name of the organization making such meter tests and/or repairs. 2. The type and characteristics of meters used by the utility and showing the number of meters by types. 3. Certification of meter testing equipment by a recognized governing agency.