An Added Layer of Protection

Excess Flow Valves (EFVs) are safety devices on gas service lines designed to stop the flow of natural gas if it exceeds a pre-determined rate. They’re not only beneficial for your health and wellbeing, but also for the environment.

Safety Benefits

Consumers Energy works tirelessly to maintain the integrity of our natural gas system. While EFVs are not required for the normal, safe operation of your service line, they could help mitigate the consequences of service line failures. EFVs also:

• Protect against the uncontrolled escape of natural gas
• Limit the effects/damages of severed lines
• Improve safety conditions for utility personnel at the scene of a line break
• Reduce the amount of methane escaping into the atmosphere

EFVs are designed to work for significant damages, but may not operate given a small leak or puncture of the service line or in the case of an appliance malfunction. If you notice the rotten egg smell of natural gas, you should immediately leave the area, call 9-1-1 and call Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.

For more on how to recognize, react and respond to a natural gas leak, explore our Gas Safety Guide.

Do I Have an EFV?

Our team has been installing EFVs on newly-constructed residential service lines since 1998. If you have a service to your home that has been installed or replaced since 1998, your gas service line likely has this device. Moving forward, we will be placing an EFV or another outside shutoff device on residential and commercial gas lines that are being installed or replaced.

Installation

Interested in adding an EFV to your service line? Please contact us at 800-477-5050. Adding an EFV to an existing service typically costs a customer $655, but additional costs may be incurred. We’d be happy to discuss your options with you.

Contact MISS DIG811 Before You Dig

Contact MISS DIG811 by calling 8-1-1 or going to missdig.org before beginning a digging project.