The PUCO opened an investigation in April 2005 after a series of gas leaks were linked to faulty natural gas risers. The PUCO investigation examined the types of natural gas risers being used throughout Ohio, the conditions of the installation of those risers, and the overall performance of risers in an effort to gain additional information as to the cause of riser failures.
Following extensive testing of natural gas risers by a laboratory in Akron, PUCO staff issued a report in November 2006 that outlined the potential circumstances under which a natural gas riser may fail. PUCO Chairman Alan R. Schriber requested that Ohio’s natural gas distribution companies immediately begin surveying a portion of the risers in their respective territories, for the purpose of determining riser identification and the prevalence of potentially faulty risers currently installed.
In 2008, the PUCO approved a riser replacement program developed by Columbia Gas of Ohio to remedy potential riser failures in its service area.
What is a riser?
A riser connects an above ground natural gas meter to the service line. The riser is installed by a builder or subcontractor when the home or building is constructed. Inside basement meters do not have risers.
Who is responsible for the repair or replacement of risers and natural gas service lines?
Historically, the owner of the home or building was responsible for the repair or replacement of their riser and natural gas service line. Such work was to be done by a U.S. Department of Transportation operator qualified plumber, with the home or building owner responsible for the costs incurred. As a result of the PUCO’s approval of Columbia’s infrastructure replacement program, the company has assumed responsibility for systematically replacing prone-to-failure risers and immediately replacing customer service lines that have hazardous leaks.
What is Columbia’s infrastructure replacement program?
The infrastructure replacement program gives Columbia responsibility for the immediate repair or replacement of hazardous customer service lines and replacement of prone-to-failure risers over a three-year period.
How do I know if I have a riser that could fail?
Columbia has surveyed all the risers in its service territory to identify those that could fail under certain circumstances. If the company has determined that you have a prone-to-failure riser, they will replace it at no direct cost to you.
What if I have already replaced my prone-to-failure riser or associated hazardous customer service line or don’t want to wait for Columbia to do the work?
Customers who replaced a prone-to-failure riser or associated hazardous customer service line between Nov. 24, 2006 and April 9, 2008 are eligible to seek reimbursement from Columbia of up to $500 for riser replacement and $1,000 for service line repairs. Call Columbia at (800) 344-4077 to request a reimbursement form. Columbia will reimburse within 60 days of the customer's submission of receipts that document the work done and amount paid. Upon reimbursement, the riser and/or associated customer service line become Columbia’s property. Columbia will only process reimbursement requests for risers replaced during this period through Sept. 1, 2008.
For repairs or replacements made after April 9, 2008, reimbursements are capped at $385 for full riser replacement, $330 for riser repairs, and $1,000 for associated service line repairs. Call Columbia at (800) 344-4077 to request a reimbursement form. Columbia will reimburse within 60 days of the customer's submission of receipts that document the work done and amount paid. Upon reimbursement, the riser becomes Columbia’s property.
Will this program result in higher natural gas rates for Columbia customers?
Columbia will spread the costs of replacing prone-to-failure risers and hazardous service lines among its customers through a monthly charge called the infrastructure replacement program (IRP) rider. The charge is currently set at 31 cents per month.
What if I have a riser, but I am not a customer of Columbia Gas of Ohio?
The PUCO requires all of Ohio’s local natural gas distribution companies to conduct and maintain a full inventory of natural gas risers in their service area. The companies must track all riser leak failures that occur in their service area and report these failures to the PUCO semiannually. They must also incorporate riser installation procedures into their company operator qualification requirements. The PUCO is currently considering additional infrastructure issues in rate cases filed by Columbia, Dominion East Ohio, Duke Energy Ohio, and Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio.
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