AGAs Uncollectibles Workshop Remote Disconnect

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AGAs Uncollectibles Workshop- Remote Disconnect
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Dennis Jarnecke Gas Technology
Institute Newport, RI October 9, 2007
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Increasing Accounts in Arrears

• Higher natural gas prices
• Increase in personal bankruptcies
• 67 increase from 2000 to 2005\
• Mortgage issues
• Increasing customer arrears

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Federal Programs
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Uncollectibles

• The concepts is simple
• Track customer accounts
• Identify accounts in arrear
• Collect debt or terminate account
• But many other factors make this a very
  challenging task.
• Best utility tool is still disconnection
  (big hammer)

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Uncollectibles Hurdles

• Winter weather rules
• Other PUC restrictions
• Inside meter sets
• Aging natural gas infrastructure
• Workforce reductions
• Cost of disconnections versus arrears
• Credit activities are spread across several
  departments, thus leaving no one person or
  department with responsibility

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Uncollectibles Answers?

• Issues related to disconnection
• Wasted trips, excavation and restoration costs,
  service replacements, etc.
• Lots of wasted time money and effort
• Over few customers
• 80/20 rule
• Utilities need the ability to shut off customers
  ASAP

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Uncollectibles Answers?
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Uncollectibles Tools

• AVTs Curb Stop - Development
• GTIs Project Objective
• To develop a mechanical valve to be installed
  through a small hole/excavation for service and
  main shut downs
• Applications
• Credit issues
• Inside meters and no curb valves
• Leak survey
• Shut down customers for leak surveys

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AVT Curb Stop

• Ability to hot tap customers line
• Traditional curb valves require cutting the
  service to install in-line valve
• Can perform a credit lock without having to
  contact customer or require access to customers
  meter
• Safety and code requirements
• Can retrofit service line for outside shutoffs
• Installation for fire valve requirements
• Emergency shutoff
• No need to pressure test line for renewing gas
  service

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Performance Criteria

• Focus on service line sizes
• 3/4
• 1
• 1-1/4
• 1-1/2
• 2
• Operating pressures up to 60 psig
• Installation via a keyhole to reduce costs

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Traditional versus Keyhole Savings Comparison

• Utilize keyhole (cut, vacuum, install, restore)
• Typical savings 60 to 75 or even greater for
  pavement excavation restoration
• 687 / hole - total costs
• 60 savings - 412 (275 for keyhole)
• 75 savings - 515 (172 for keyhole)
• Typical savings for landscaping restoration
• 475 / hole
• 60 savings - 285 (190 for keyhole)
• 75 savings - 355 (120 for keyhole)
• (X) installed costs through keyhole
• Gas Distribution industry Survey, Costs of
  Installation, Maintenance and Repair, and
  Operations, Version 3, Sept. 02 GRI-020183

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Curb-Stop Installation Costs

• SMP partners conducted test installations of the
  prototype keyhole Curb-Stops
• An installation was completed in 20 minutes
• Average cost of a traditional service shut-off is
  1800
• Installing a ¾ curb-stop through a keyhole is
  estimated to cost 500 on average, including
  labor
• Estimated that installations would run about
  one-third to one-quarter of the cost of a
  traditional service shut-off

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Development

• Multiple sizes utilize common components
• 3/4 and 1 share common valve bodies
• 1-1/4 and 1-1/2 share common valve bodies
• Each size has its own flange and rubber stopper
• Security Issues
• Curb-Stop has a tamper proof security key
  required for operation

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Curb Stop Design
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Valve Design

• Body is designed for keyhole installation
• Hinged body
• Secured with two nuts and bolts
• Bolts are fixed to body
• Threaded tower to hold during installation

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Valve Design

• Stopper is injection molded Neoprene rubber
• The rubber deforms to the internal shape of the
  pipe
• Pin acts to strengthen stopper for high pressure
  applications (60 psig)

Steel Pin
Neoprene Stopper
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Valve Design

• Stem Design
• Major application is for credit locks
• Stem is pentagon shape to discourage operation by
  unauthorized users
• ACME threads are used for smooth operation

ACME Threads
Pentagon Head
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Detailed Overview
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Open Position
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Closed Position
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Testing
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Design Qualification Testing (1/2)

• Tests and Procedures from ASME B16.33
• MANUALLY OPERATED METALLIC GAS VALVES FOR USE IN
  GAS PIPING SYSTEMS UP TO 125 PSI (SIZES NPS 1/2
  THROUGH NPS 2)
• Gas Tightness (par. 4.2)
• Temperature Resistance (par. 4.3)
• Strength (par. 4.4.2)
• Twist (par. 4.4.3)
• Bending (par. 4.4.4)
• Tensile Strength (par. 4.4.5)
• Turning Torque (par. 4.4.6)
• Flow Capacity (par. 4.5)

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Design Qualification Testing (2/2)

• Additional tests
• Temperature Cycling per ASTM F1924
• Rotation Test per ASTM F1924
• Long term pressure test
• Corrosion Resistance

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AVT Curb Stop
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Uncollectibles Tools

• Buffalo Gauge Inc. Neupmatic Valve
• Primary use of valve is for credit collection
  activities
• Using the valve, it will be possible to shut the
  gas off remotely before customers go too far into
  debt.
• The use of this valve may change customer
  behavior

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Neupmatic Valve Implementation Projects

• GTI worked with Buffalo Gauge and utilities to
  conduct implementation/evaluation project
• Potential benefits of valve
• Potential for less bad debt write-offs.
• Use of the valve allows gas to be shut off
  remotely and immediately
• Elimination of multiple field calls
• No need to gain access to dwelling to shut off
  service (after valve has been installed)
• Link to workings of valve and animated video
• http//www.gaszone.com/products.htm

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Neupmatic Valve Implementation Projects
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Neupmatic Valve Implementation Projects
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Neupmatic Valve Implementation Projects
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Uncollectibles Tools

• Automated Meter Shut-off (AMS) Device
• Recent project being funded by OTD (Operation
  Technology Development)
• Original concept and prototype developed by
  others (including Dominion East Ohio Gas employee)

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Uncollectibles Tools

• Benefits of AMS device
• Installation does not require a meter shut down,
  manifold tear down and rebuild, and premise
  relight
• Remote disconnect capability
• Walk by
• Drive by
• From office
• Next Steps with AMS
• Work with a manufacturer
• Modify prototype

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Questions

• These and other tools provide leverage to the
  utility company by making it possible to
  terminate the customers gas service.
• Dennis Jarnecke
• 847-768-0943
• dennis.jarnecke_at_gastechnology.org