FPUA provides Natural gas as an economical, efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly source of energy for those in the Fort Pierce, Florida area.
There are many ways Natural Gas helps homes and businesses cut costs. From cooling to cooking to clothes drying and vehicle fueling, Natural Gas provides economical and environmental benefits. Let us show you how Natural Gas can meet your energy needs and show you how you may qualify for cash rebates! #GasRebates
Our job is to help you make the most of every energy dollar. So please call us at (772) 466-1600 Ext. 4705, and ask for Billy Dupre if you have questions, or to request a FREE estimate of costs to install customer-owned natural gas piping and appliances.
Why Natural Gas is the “Right Choice” for New Homes:
Many new home design considerations impact construction costs, adherence to the Florida Energy Code, and the prospective homeowner’s annual energy costs. Selecting natural gas for water heating and space heating provides design flexibility, cost savings, and other benefits:
- Possible elimination of 240-volt wiring to air handler, range and water heater.
- Possible reduction of electrical panel size. Amperage reduction could be up to 100 amps.
- Reduction of initial installation cost for efficient natural gas pool heaters, indoor and outdoor cooking, and fireplace logs.
- Cost savings of 45% or more* with natural gas water heating when compared to electric water heating or propane (LP).
- Cost savings of 58%** with energy efficient natural gas space heating when compared to electric resistance (strip) heating.
* Water heating cost comparison based on national average annual consumption for Florida Energy Code 30 gallon tank using USDOE test procedures. National average data is adjusted for local conditions and fuel prices: EL=$0.0884 per kWh, LP=$ 1.50 per gallon, NG=$0.76040 per ccf.
**Space heating cost comparison based on cost per delivered million BTU for 80 AFUE natural gas furnace using above stated fuel prices.
Natural Gas Information
Natural Gas Public Awareness
Excess Flow Valves (EFV)
The U.S. Department of Transportation has recently issued new regulations on the use of Excess Flow Valves (EFV) on natural gas customer service lines. An EFV is a mechanical shut-off device that is installed on the customer’s service line between the gas main (usually located near the street) and the gas meter. An EFV is designed to shut off the flow of gas automatically if the service line is compromised, for example, by an excavation accident. Stopping the flow of gas would reduce the risk of fire, explosion, personal injury and/or property damage. EFVs are not designed to close if there is a leak on the customer side of the meter or if the leak on the service line is small.
Historically, FPUA has been installing EFVs on new single-family residential services since 1999. The new regulations require (in part):
- Installation of EFVs on all new services up to 1000 cubic feet per hour for residential and commercial customers.
- Voluntary installation of EFVs above 1000 cubic feet per hour.
- Operators are required to notify customers of their right to request installation of an EFV on their service line.
Item 3 above is the reason for this alert being published and made available to all of our customers. With the new regulation, you have the right to request installation of an EFV on your service line and FPUA has an obligation to install this valve at a mutually agreeable date.
The customer is responsible for paying the actual installation costs of the new EFV. The average cost is typically between $500 and $1000, but the actual cost will depend on the difficulty of installation. If you express a desire for adding an EFV to your service line, FPUA will develop the actual estimate for your individual case and notify you before you make the final decision that you want an EFV installed. All maintenance/replacement of the EFV after it has been installed will be the responsibility of FPUA.
To summarize, an EFV is an additional safeguard to the natural gas system designed specifically for individual customers. It is your decision on whether you want one installed on your service line. It is not mandatory that it be done; however, it is mandatory that we advise you of the availability of these devices and our responsibility to install them if a customer desires.
Please feel free to contact our Business Development Representative, Billy Dupre, at (772) 466-1600, Ext.-4705 if you have any questions. He can help you through the process if you wish to find out the details of installing an EFV at your location.