Pipeline Safety

We take extra precautions to ensure the integrity of our natural gas infrastructure—from the wellhead to your home and business. We go above and beyond state and federal rules and constantly invest in our transmission and distribution pipelines to deliver natural gas safely and reliably.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, pipelines are the safest, most reliable and cost effective means of transporting energy products, such as natural gas, over long distances. The federal government sets standards for the development of integrity management programs for pipelines. The most stringent requirements are for pipelines near high consequence areas including densely populated areas or places where people congregate such as schools, parks and campgrounds.

Our programs and processes to maintain natural gas system safety include:

• Factory-tested pipes to ensure safety standards.
• Inspection and testing of newly installed pipes in accordance with state and federal requirements prior to placement.
• A cathodic protection program that uses a low-voltage electric current to help reduce or eliminate corrosion.
• High-tech devices called “smart pigs” to locate any flaws in protective wrap, dents or small internal weaknesses in pipes.
• Yearly ground and aerial inspections of every inch of our 2,550 miles of transmission pipelines.
• Response to more than 300,000 MISS DIG 811 requests yearly to mark natural gas pipeline locations for safe digging and excavation.
• Technology to detect any abnormal pressure or flow.
• Extensive pipeline public awareness program to promote natural gas safety.

We also count on the awareness of those living and working near our natural gas system to inform us of unusual activities. Contact us immediately at 800-477-5050 if you smell a rotten egg odor or detect unusual operating conditions or activities surrounding our natural gas system.

We take the responsibility to keep our customers and communities safe very seriously. In 2019, as part of our unwavering focus on safety, we implemented a Safety Management System (SMS) for our Natural Gas operations. This new system is a significant new commitment to reducing risk.

Within our Safety Management System we follow effective processes and procedures, keep accurate work records, and encourage a culture of honesty, open feedback and continuous learning. All so we can deliver natural gas to our customers more safely.

We work closely with police, fire and emergency responders and respond promptly to all natural gas emergency calls. If you are interested in scheduling first responder training for your police or fire department, contact our Public Safety Outreach Team.