Over the last five years, CenterPoint Energy’s gas operations throughout the state has not experienced the types of incidents recently reported by other Texas utilities and which have been linked to problem compression couplings that lack any internal restraint against pull-out of the pipe. These problem fittings constitute a subset of a much broader category of “compression couplings” that have been widely and successfully used by the gas industry for decades.
The manufacture, installation and maintenance of gas systems are subject to a number of industry-recognized engineering standards designed to minimize the risk of failures. The federal pipeline safety rules adopted in 1971 incorporate many of these engineering standards and require that gas distribution companies utilize leak survey, leak response and failure analysis procedures to timely identify all potential leak sources on their systems and implement appropriate corrective action. CenterPoint Energy operating practices have consistently met or exceeded these standards.
The overwhelming majority of major leaks are caused by third parties that fail to call before they dig or respect the markings of our pipe in violation of state law and Railroad Commission regulations. We did experience an incident in Missouri City in 2007 that has been linked to an unauthorized compression coupling that appears to have been installed by a third party in a manner inconsistent with CenterPoint Energy’s standards.
Today, the Railroad Commission initiated rulemaking proceedings on leak surveys, leak grading and replacement of certain compression fittings used on some meter installations. We will actively participate in these rulemakings and are evaluating the Commission’s directive on compression fittings and determining how to best respond. We look forward to working with the Commission to insure that we operate one of the safest gas distribution systems in the nation.
CenterPoint Energy has an active program to educate both the construction contractors and the public on how to avoid damaging our lines during excavation and what to do if a leak occurs. Anyone contemplating excavating should first contact the Texas One Call system at the new FCC-mandated number of 811 or the Texas One Call number of 1-800-545-6005. If you smell natural gas you should:
Leave immediately. Do not use electric switches, telephones (including cell phones) or anything that could cause a spark.
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