Title 20 — Subtitle 55. Service Supplied by Gas Companies

Application. These regulations apply to a gas utility or gas master meter operator operating within the State, under the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission.

Purpose. These regulations are intended to promote safe and adequate service to the public, to provide standards for uniform and reasonable practices, and to outline the responsibility of the public in requesting and receiving service from a utility.

Exemption. If unreasonable hardship to a utility, gas master meter operator, or to a customer results from the application of any of these regulations, application may be made to the Commission for the modification of the regulation or for temporary or permanent exemption from its requirements.

Modification. The adoption of these regulations does not preclude the Commission from altering or amending them, or from making such modifications with respect to their application as may be found necessary to meet exceptional conditions.

Duties Under Other Statutes. These regulations do not relieve any utility from any of its duties under the laws of this State.

In this subtitle the following terms have the meanings indicated.

Terms Defined.

In addition to the regulations found in this chapter, each utility or gas master meter operator shall comply with the following federal regulations, which are incorporated by reference:

Each utility or gas master meter operator shall use as accepted good engineering practice the applicable provisions in:

Each utility or gas master meter operator 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 experience and accepted good practice. Sufficient records shall be kept to give evidence of compliance with the inspection program.

Each utility or gas master meter operator shall inspect its gas pipeline system to ensure that it is constructed in accordance with the applicable requirements of this subtitle.

Rates. Each schedule of rates for service together with the applicable riders.

Rules. The utility's rules, or terms and conditions, describing the utility's policies and practices in rendering service. These rules shall include:

Special Contracts. A copy of each contract for service not covered by the utility's filed tariff.

Installation Rules. A copy of the utility's rules, if any, designed by the utility for the use of engineers, architects, plumbing and heating contractors, etc., covering meter and service installations.

Bill Forms. A sample of each type of customer bill form, which shall include the information normally shown on a customer's bill for service.

Monthly Payment Plan. Each utility offering to its customers an even or equal monthly payment plan shall file a copy of the plan with the Commission.

Map of System. A map showing the utility's operating area. This map shall be revised annually unless no revision is necessary, to reflect a material change in the items listed below. The map on file should reflect the current status of the following items:

Persons to Contact. The name, title, address, and telephone number of the person who should be contacted in connection with the following areas of operation:

Telephone Notice of Incidents. Each utility or gas master meter operator shall promptly notify a representative of the Public Service Commission by telephone of each incident as defined in COMAR 20.55.01.04B(9).

Written Notice of Incidents. As soon as practicable but not later than 30 days after discovery, a utility shall file a written report of each incident with the Public Service Commission. This report shall be a copy of the report submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation. An “incident” is defined in COMAR 20.55.01.04B(9).

Annual Reports.

Construction Notice.

Gas Service Monthly Reports. A gas service monthly report, on forms provided by the Commission, showing information concerning the utility's operations. These reports shall be due in the Commission's office within 30 days after the end of the month reported.

Location of Records. The location at which the utility keeps the various classes of records required by these regulations.

Organizations.

Records. A utility or gas master meter operator shall make available to the Commission or its authorized representative all records required by these regulations or necessary for the administration of these regulations.

Location of Pipeline. The utility or gas master meter operator shall:

Pipeline Location Services. A utility shall make available suitable equipment and personnel to provide pipeline location services upon reasonable request of interested persons, in compliance with Public Utilities Article, Title 12, Subtitle 1, Annotated Code of Maryland.

System Maps or Records. Each utility shall 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 utility to advise prospective customers, and others entitled to the information, as to the facilities available for serving any locality.

Selecting Rate Schedule. Each utility shall assist the customer or prospective customer in selecting the most economical rate schedule.

Notifying Customers. Each utility shall notify customers affected by a change in rates or schedule classification.

Tariff Notice.

Meter Reading Instruction. Upon request, each utility shall inform its customers as to the method of reading meters.

Hazards of Gas. At least twice each year, a notice shall be distributed to each customer, informing him of the hazards of leaking gas and instructing him of the procedures to be followed in reporting gas leaks. At the same time, notices to the general public informing them of the same information shall be made through newspaper ads. Notices (customer and general public) shall make mention of the possible entry of gas by the various means including leakage along other routes, possibly even if the party does not have gas service. In addition, a sample odor indicator shall be distributed to each customer at least biennially.

Other Information. Each utility shall furnish such additional information as the customer may reasonably request.

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:

A utility may require an applicant to sign and return a copy of the written confirmation before providing service.

Upon request of the applicant, a gas utility shall accept more than one individual customer name on applications for service. All persons named on an account shall be customers of record.

When the name of the person applying for service is different from the name of the applicant, when more than one name is to be on an account, or when there is a reasonable basis for questioning the authority of a person requesting service in the name of the applicant, the utility may request that the applicant or applicants appear at the utility's designated office, present satisfactory identification, and execute a written application for service.

Customer Identification. A utility may require a customer to provide a written, signed statement attesting to an order, decree, or agreement formalizing a name change, but may not request a copy of the actual order, divorce decree, or separation agreement.

Payment of Outstanding Bills.

Refusal to Connect Service. A utility may refuse to connect service if an attempt to secure service is made in any manner described below. If application is made:

For purposes of §B, “co-occupants” means two or more adults who occupy the same dwelling unit as their primary domicile, or legal residence within the State.

For purposes of this regulation, a utility may provide service conditionally for not more than 30 days after the date of application. If, during this time, a utility discovers that an application has been made in one of the manners enumerated in this regulation, it may disconnect service in accordance with §§E and F.

If a utility denies or disconnects service pursuant to this regulation, the utility shall notify the individual in writing of the reason for the denial or disconnection including the facts or circumstances upon which the utility bases its determination that service should be denied or disconnected.

An individual who disputes the proposed denial or disconnection shall do so in accordance with the provisions of COMAR 20.32.01.

The Commission’s Consumer Affairs Division may direct a utility to connect service, if deemed safe, in a customer’s name during the pendency of an investigation if a utility denies an application for service due to an unpaid arrearage for unauthorized use or tampering with equipment furnished and owned by the utility but does not provide the amount necessary to reconnect service within 3 business days of a filed complaint, provided that the applicant makes a payment to the utility:

The bill forms shall show:

Rate Schedule. If the actual rates are not shown on the bill form as required in §A(4) of this regulation, the bill shall carry a statement to the effect that the applicable rate schedule, including the actual seasonal, purchased gas or thermal adjustments, and the customer charge, will be furnished on request.

The Commission may, for good cause, grant a waiver or exemption from provisions in this regulation. A utility may request a waiver or exemption by filing an application with the Commission which sets forth the facts and reasons for the waiver or exemption.

Fast Meters.

Non-registering Meters. Whenever a meter is found not to register, the utility may render an estimated bill.

Slow Meters. Whenever a meter is found to be more than 2 percent slow, the utility may bill the customer one-half of the unbilled undercharge for a period of 12 months, unless the meter has been tested within that 12-month period, in which event the utility may bill the customer one-half the unbilled undercharge for the period since the meter was last tested. If the amount of under-registration is less than $5, the utility may not bill the customer for the undercharge.

Accuracy Calculation. Billing adjustments due to fast or slow meters shall be calculated on the basis that the meter should be 100 percent accurate. For the purpose of billing adjustment, the meter error shall be the error at check flow.

Overcharge--Undercharge Adjustment. When a customer has been overcharged or undercharged for services because of incorrect application of the rate schedule, incorrect calculation of charges, or other similar reasons, the amount of overcharge or undercharge adjustment shall be determined separately during the period of time the discrepancy occurred, in accordance with the following:

If requested by a customer, a utility shall provide means by which any undercharge may be paid in installments over a reasonable period of time, but not less than the same time period in which any undercharges were incurred.

Theft of Service.

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.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Condition. A meter may not be installed if it is mechanically defective, has incorrect constants, or has not been tested, and adjusted if necessary.

Capacity. The capacity of the metering installation and the index mechanism should be consistent with the gas requirements of the customer.

Customer's name, address, and rate schedule;

Identifying number or description of the meter;

Meter readings;

Date of meter reading;

If the reading has been estimated;

Any applicable fixed multiplier or constant.

The date and reason for the test;

The reading of the meter before making any test;

The proof “as found” at check flow;

The proof “as left” at check and full rated flow; and

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Accuracy.

Attachments. A device used in conjunction with a prover is calibrated to the following accuracy standards:

Approved. Utilities may test meters by other methods approved by the Commission or by use of other working standards approved by the Commission.

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.

Test Period. The approved working standards shall be tested for accuracy by comparison with an acceptable standard at least once each 3 years.

General. The test of any meter or associated devices, or both, shall consist of a comparison of its accuracy with the accuracy of a working standard or may consist of other methods referenced in these regulations.

Test Equipment Capacity. The test equipment shall be of sufficient capacity and ranges to test meters or associated devices, or both, under the conditions specified in Regulation .02 of this chapter.

Accepted Good Practice. The Commission will use the applicable provisions of the publications listed in COMAR 20.55.02.02 as criteria of accepted good practice in the testing of meters.

Bell Provers. Bell provers may be used to test diaphragm, rotary, and turbine type meters. A prover that is used to test rotary and turbine type meters shall be properly automated and have a satisfactory readout. The test shall consist of passing a specific volume of air through the prover and the meter. The accuracy or proof is either read or calculated from the prover scale or the readout.

Working Standards Other Than Bell Provers. Approved working standards other than bell provers may be used to test diaphragm, rotary, and turbine type meters. The meter to be tested is connected to the approved working standard so that the same volume of air, either under pressure or vacuum, passes through both. The uncorrected accuracy is calculated or read directly from the readout on the working standard. Corrections shall be made for pressure and temperature differentials between the meter under test and the working standard to determine the corrected accuracy.

Rotary Displacement Meters. Rotary meters on which an original test record of the differential pressures is established as soon as practicable, but not longer than 6 months, after installation may subsequently be tested by comparing the new differential pressures with the original test record. This subsequent test may be in lieu of normal testing with a meter prover or other approved working standard. In establishing the original test record, the pressure differential shall be recorded at two or more load levels, with the minimum being no less than 10 percent of the rated capacity at the operating pressure of the meter. The meters shall be given a differential pressure test at least once every 5 years. When the test differential pressure differs from the original test record by more than 50 percent, the meter may not be used for measurement for revenue billing purposes until, by cleaning or repairing, the differential pressure is not more than 50 percent in excess of the original test record. If the differential pressure cannot be brought within the above limits by cleaning or repairing, the meter shall be removed from service and replaced with an accurate meter. The differential pressure test may not be used as a periodic test on rotary meters on which the results of a differential pressure test would not be conclusive, such as meters connected to loads which are less than 10 percent of the rated capacity of the meters.

Pressure Correcting Devices.

Temperature Correcting Devices.

Timing Devices. The test of a timing device shall consist of precisely synchronizing the timing device and the working standard at the start of the test time interval. At the end of the test time interval the working standard is stopped and the reading recorded. The accuracy is calculated by comparing the actual time elapsed with the test time interval.

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.

Reading and Recording Data.

Overall Accuracies. The overall accuracy or proof of a meter and an associated device, which affects the meter readings for billing purposes, may not be more than 0.5 percent fast or more than 1.5 percent slow.

Diaphragm Type Meters. Diaphragm meters may not be placed or left in service unless found upon test to comply with the following:

Rotary Type Meters. Rotary type meters shall be tested at not less than 15 percent of full rated flow. A utility may not install a rotary meter which is more than 0.5 percent fast or more than 1.5 percent slow at the points of test.

Turbine Type Meters. Turbine type meters shall be tested at not less than 15 percent of full rated flow. The meters may not be more than 0.5 percent fast or more than 1.5 percent slow at the points of test.

Pressure Correcting Devices. Pressure correcting devices may not be more than 0.5 percent fast or more than 1.5 percent slow in the pressure range for which the instrument is intended to be used.

Temperature Correcting Devices. Temperature correcting devices may not be more than 0.5 percent fast or more than 1.5 percent slow at the points at which they are tested.

Timing Devices. Timing devices may not have an error more than 0.25 percent.

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.

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.

Leak Test.

Commission Test. A representative of the Commission will check the condition of meters in the meter shop of the utility from time to time by testing random samples of meters ready for installation.

Re-test. When any meter is inactive, whether installed in service or not, for a period of 2 years or longer, it shall be tested, and adjusted if necessary before being placed in service again.

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.

Customer May Observe. The customer, or his representative, may be present when the meter is tested.

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.

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.

Deposit For Test. The application shall be accompanied by a deposit as indicated: Gas meter—$10.

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.

Customer May Observe. The customer, or his representative, may be present when the meter is tested.

Report to Customer. A written report of the results of the test will be sent to the customer and to the utility.

Disposition of Deposit. If the meter is found to over-register more than 2 percent, calculated in accordance with COMAR 20.55.04.05D 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.

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.

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.

Analysis of Meter Tests.

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.

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:

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.

Monthly Average Btu. The monthly average heating value shall be not less than the total heating value filed in the utility's tariff.

Calorimeter or Chromatograph.

LP-Air. The utility shall determine the heating value of LP-Air once each hour when LP-Air is being injected into the distribution system.

Natural Gas and LPG. The utility shall determine the heating value of natural gas and undiluted LPG at least once each month, except that utilities selling gas subject to a thermal adjustment shall determine the heating value at least twice each day and shall make the tests during the period of the morning and afternoon peak demands.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

Adopt Safety Program. Each utility, including its contractors, shall adopt and execute a safety program, fitted to the size and type of its operations.

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.

Promote Safe Work Methods. Each utility or gas master meter operator may instruct its employees and contractors in safe methods of performing their work.

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.

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 20.55.02.02.

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.

Leakage Test. Before turning gas into any piping, it shall be tested for leaks.

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:

Frequency of Surveys.

Field Operations.

Leaks Without Presence of Odorant. A review system shall be established to continuously analyze and monitor the results of all leakage surveys specified in these regulations to determine any areas where leaks were detected without presence of odorant. Any areas so determined shall be leakage surveyed immediately to determine the possible extent of the area, and shall then be leakage surveyed at least annually as long as the condition of odorant absorption exists.

Leak Repairs. Leaks located by leakage surveys shall be investigated promptly and corrective action initiated.

Records of Surveys.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Identification.

Location of Residential Service Lines and Meters.

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.

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.

In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

Terms Defined.

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

49 CFR Part 192, Transportation of Natural and Other Gas By Pipeline: Minimum Federal Safety Standards, as amended.

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.

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.

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.

The following types of designed natural gas infrastructure project work are designated as covered projects and require documented approval by a licensed professional engineer:

All types of designed natural gas infrastructure project work not listed in §D of this regulation are designated as noncovered projects and require documented approval by a relevant qualified person.

During emergencies, a relevant qualified person may approve a covered project, in which case documented licensed professional engineer approval shall be required as soon as practical after the emergency has been resolved.

The Division may grant a waiver to the regulations in this chapter to a gas company for good cause.