Excess Flow Valves FAQs

What is an excess flow valve?

An excess flow valve (EFV) is a device LG&E can install on a natural gas customer’s service line, which is the underground gas line that runs from the gas main to the meter on/inside a customer’s home or business. If a service line becomes damaged causing a sudden and major pressure drop or gas leak, the EFV will automatically shut off the flow of natural gas. In doing so, the EFV can prevent natural gas buildup and reduce the chances of a natural gas fire, explosion, property damage and/or personal injury.

Am I required to have an excess flow valve installed?

No. An EFV is not mandatory. Customers can choose to have an EFV installed for a fee if their service is eligible; requests will be evaluated to determine if an EFV can be installed and you will receive a cost estimate if LG&E determines one can be installed on your natural gas service line.

I live in an apartment complex. Can an excess flow valve be installed on each unit in a multi-family dwellings?

In some cases an EFV can be installed, but will depend on the service configuration.

Who will handle the installation of my excess flow valve?

LG&E employees or contract crews working on behalf of LG&E will install your EFV.​

Why do I have to pay for an excess flow valve?

EFVs were not always required to be installed on a service line. Where excess flow valves were not previously required by federal regulation, it is an optional feature the customer can choose to have installed at his or her expense.​

Will an excess flow valve stop or reduce the flow of natural gas inside my home?

No. Excess flow valves are designed to stop the flow of gas in a service line when the service line has an excessive amount of flow, primarily due to being damaged through excavation. An EFV does not protect against leaks beyond the gas meter or slow leaks on the service line. If you smell natural gas inside your home, leave immediately and call LG&E once you have reached a safe distance away from your home.

Will the excess flow valve operate even in extreme weather conditions such as rain or snow?

Yes. Weather conditions such as rain or snow will not affect the excess flow valve. It is designed to operate only if/when there is excessive flow primarily due to damage to a natural gas service.

Where will the excess flow valve be installed?

LG&E employees or contractors will install the EFV underground on your natural gas service line as close as possible to the natural gas main line.

How do I know if an excess flow valve can be installed at my house?

There are certain operating conditions and limitations that prevent LG&E from installing an EFV. When you request an EFV, LG&E personnel will review records or make a site visit to evaluate if an EFV can be installed on your natural gas service line. Each customer’s situation is different; therefore, each request will be evaluated to determine if the conditions are right and what the cost would be if an EFV can be installed.

How long does an excess flow valve last?

Excess flow valves are designed to last the lifetime of our natural gas distribution system. There will be no additional cost to the customer for maintenance of the EFV.

How do I know if I currently have an excess flow valve at my residence?

Contact LG&E (by phone during regular business hours at 502-627-4427) and a company representative will determine if you have an EFV already installed on your service line.

Will an excess flow valve protect against any/all natural gas leaks?

No. An excess flow valve is designed to prevent the continuous flow of natural gas on a natural gas service line if it incurs damage that results in a leak that is significant enough in size to cause the valve to activate and stop the flow of natural gas. The EFV will not be activated by all leaks. It’s important to use your senses (Sight, Smell, Sound) to determine a potential gas leak. Any time you smell natural gas, leave immediately. Get to an area where there is no odor, and call LG&E any time day or night at 502-589-1444.

If I pay to have an excess flow valve installed on the natural gas service line at my home, can I take it with me if/when I move?

No. Once an EFV is installed, it must remain on the natural gas service line; the EFV becomes part of LG&E’s natural gas distribution system.

Can I put an excess flow valve inside my house for my natural gas stove or other natural gas appliances?

LG&E is not responsible for piping and facilities beyond your gas meter. Please contact a licensed professional for devices beyond the meter.

Will my natural gas usage increase if I have an excess flow valve installed at my home or business?

No. An EFV will not affect the amount of natural gas you use at your home or business.

Who should I contact to request an excess flow valve installation estimate?

Contact LG&E (by phone during regular business hours at 502-627-4427) to request an estimate.

Is there a timeframe or deadline when I need to make a decision about having an excess flow valve installed?

No. You can contact LG&E any time to request an EFV or ask questions about EFV installation. When you request an EFV, LG&E will evaluate the conditions at your home or business and provide a cost estimate for installing an EFV so you can make an informed decision.

How long will it take to have my excess flow valve installed once my payment is received?

A work order will be initiated once LG&E has received payment. Installation times will vary depending on the number of requests and other work that LG&E has scheduled.​ Taking these things into account, the EFV must be installed on a mutually agreeable date.

How much will it cost to have an excess flow valve installed at my home or business?

The installation costs vary depending on the conditions at your home or business and the difficulty of installation. However, on average the cost is between $600 and $2,500. Some installations may cost more due to the specific circumstances of the job.

Who will give me an estimate of the costs involved?

Once a request for an excess flow valve installation is received, a representative from LG&E will contact you to determine whether or not an excess flow valve can be installed and provide you with a cost estimate.​

Can I make installment payments? Is there a discount available for senior citizens or those on fixed incomes?

The full amount must be received by LG&E before an excess flow valve is installed. There is no senior citizen discount or reduced rate for those on fixed incomes.

Will my property and/or landscaping be disturbed during installation?

​Installation of an excess flow valve requires digging to expose the natural gas service line prior to installation. Property will be restored once installation is complete.

I have more than one residence/meter. If I choose to have an excess flow valve installed at each meter, do I have to pay for each installation? If so, will LG&E grant a discount?

There will be a charge for each installation. Actual installation costs will be calculated for each request after conditions are evaluated and it is determined an EFV can be installed at your home or business.

What kind of operational conditions would cause my service line to not be eligible for an EFV?

The following reasons are outlined in federal regulations.

  • The gas meter capacity does not exceed 1,000 SCFH;
  • The service line does not operate at a pressure of 10 psig or greater throughout the year;
  • The operator has prior experience with contaminants in the gas stream that could interfere with the EFV's operation or cause loss of service to a customer;
  • An EFV could interfere with necessary operation or maintenance activities, such as blowing liquids from the line; or
  • An EFV meeting performance standards in federal regulations is not commercially available to the operator.

Will my property and/or landscaping be disturbed during installation?

​Installation of an excess flow valve requires digging to expose the natural gas service line prior to installation. Property will be restored once installation is complete.

I have more than one residence/meter. If I choose to have an excess flow valve installed at each meter, do I have to pay for each installation? If so, will LG&E grant a discount?

There will be a charge for each installation. Actual installation costs will be calculated for each request after conditions are evaluated and it is determined an EFV can be installed at your home or business.

What kind of operational conditions would cause my service line to not be eligible for an EFV?

The following reasons are outlined in federal regulations. 

  • The gas load exceeds 1,000 SCFH;
  • The service line does not operate at a pressure of 10 psig or greater throughout the year;
  • The operator has prior experience with contaminants in the gas stream that could interfere with the EFV's operation or cause loss of service to a customer;
  • An EFV could interfere with necessary operation or maintenance activities, such as blowing liquids from the line; or
  • An EFV meeting performance standards in federal regulations is not commercially available to the operator.