Section 815-RICR-20-00-1.5 - Quality of Gas ServiceA. Heating Value Requirements 1. Standard of Heating Value a. Every LDC shall establish its own standard of heating value, which shall be stated in its rate schedule. If the transmission company supplying the LDC files a Federal tariff in compliance with 18 C.F.R. Part 154 of the FERC's "General Rules and Regulations" establishing a lower heating value for the gas it furnishes the utility, then the heating value thus established shall become the standard of the LDC for the gas it furnishes its customers. Resulting decreases in the wholesale rates charged the LDC by its supplier shall be reflected in the concomitant application of the LDC's filed Purchased Gas Price Adjustment to the rates charged its customers. b. Each LDC, unless specifically directed otherwise by the Division, shall maintain equipment for the determination of the heating value of the gas sold. c. Each LDC shall establish the accuracy of all means of determining heating value in normal use by periodic check tests and shall maintain a record of such tests on file for a period of two (2) years. If an LDC uses a calorimeter of the recording type, they shall be checked at least annually.2. Heating Value Tests (BTU) a. The BTU value of the gas shall be determined at least once daily and more often if necessary to obtain an accurate record of the average BTU value and of any fluctuation in the heating value. b. To obtain the monthly average BTU value, the results of all tests of BTU value made on any day during the calendar month shall be averaged, and the average of all daily averages shall be taken as the monthly average. If an LDC's means of determining Btu value is of the recording type, its record shall be the basis for determining the weighted average BTU value, providing that the means of determining BTU value is tested for accuracy at least annually. c. Records of monthly average heating value, as determined under § 1.5(B)(2) of this Part shall be retained by the LDC for at least two (2) years and shall be readily available to the Division for inspection.3. Purity Requirements a. 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. No gas shall be stored that is not in conformance with 49 C.F.R. § 192.475, incorporated above in § 1.1(A) of this Part. b. Notwithstanding, the provisions of § 1.5(A)(3)(a) of this Part, gas delivered by the LDC shall be odorized by the addition of a malodorous agent in conformance with the applicable provisions of 49 C.F.R. § 192.625, incorporated above in § 1.1(A) of this Part.B. Pressure Requirements 1. Pressure Variations a. The pressure at the outlet of any customer's service meter shall not normally be less than one-half of the normal pressure at the outlet. The maximum pressure shall not be greater than 12" of water column except by agreement with the customer. 2. Pressure Surveys and Records a. Each LDC shall maintain in continuous operation at least one recording pressure device in each area where the LDC maintains a district or division office, either in said office or at some customer's premises. b. Each LDC shall make a sufficient number of pressure tests in the areas served to indicate compliance with pressure requirements contained herein. c. All pressure recordings obtained under §§ 1.5(D)(2)(a) or (b) of this Part, shall be retained by the LDC for at least two (2) years and shall be available to the Division for inspection.C. Interruption of Service (excluding customers purchasing gas on an interruptible basis) 1. Each LDC shall use all reasonable means to avoid accidental interruptions to service, but should such interruptions occur, service shall be reestablished within the shortest time possible, consistent with safety. 2. Each LDC shall keep a record of all interruptions to service affecting the entire distribution system serving a single community or a major division of a community and shall include in such record the date and time of such interruption, the approximate number of such customers affected, the date and time of service restoration, the cause of such interruption when known, and steps taken to prevent its recurrence. 3. When service is interrupted to perform work on lines or equipment, such work shall be done at a time causing minimum inconvenience to customers consistent with the circumstances. Customers seriously affected by such interruption shall be notified in advance if possible. 4. All accidental interruptions of service will be reported to the Division of Public Utilities & Carriers per the requirements set forth in § 1.14 of this Part, Natural Gas Telephonic Notice Reporting Requirements.D. Abnormal Conditions 1. These Rules shall not apply to temporary conditions due to "Acts of God", fire, strikes, riots, terrorism, construction maintenance, interruption of gas supply from the LDC's wholesale supplier, or other disruptions of service beyond the control of the LDC; provided, however, that all LDCs shall initiate immediate action and proceed without delay and perform all necessary work to restore its system to normal operating conditions.815 R.I. Code R. 815-RICR-20-00-1.5