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Natural Gas Distribution Overview and SafetyMISSOURI ONE CALL SYSTEM

OPERATING COMMITTEE MEETING

DECEMBER 19, 2013

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Agenda

• Laclede System Overview

• Natural Gas Properties

• Natural Gas Safety

• Natural Gas Home Safety Tips

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LACLEDE SYSTEM OVERVIEW

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• Company was created in 1857, and named in honor of St Louis founder, Pierre Laclede Linquest.

• For the first 90 years, Laclede manufactured and distributed gas, this gas was derived from burning coal in the absence of oxygen.

• Starting in 1932, natural gas was introduced into the distribution system.

• In 1942, Union Electric and Laclede Gas exchanged gas and electric customers.

• In 1949 the distribution system began using 100% natural gas.• St Charles Gas was acquired in 1963.• MGE joins the Laclede Group in 2013.

Background on Laclede Gas Company

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Laclede Group Service Area

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Laclede Group System Overview

• Natural Gas Transmission Lines – 276 miles

• Natural Gas Distribution Mains – 17,069 miles⁻ Steel mains: 51%⁻ Plastic mains: 42%⁻ Cast iron mains: 7%

• Natural Gas Distribution Service Line – 1,118,0734 services⁻ Steel services: 14%⁻ Plastic services: 80%⁻ Hard copper services: 6%

• Highly Volatile Liquid Line (HVL) – 39 miles

(Propane and Butane)

Note: All values based on CY 2012 reporting.

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Natural Gas Properties

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Natural Gas – A Great Energy Source When Used Properly

What essential properties of natural gas do our employees need to know to work safely?

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Essential Properties of Natural Gas Safety

• Flammable range in air – 4.5-15%

• Ignition temperature – 1163◦ F

• Density – lighter than air

• BTU – 1020 per cubic foot

• Odorless/colorless – addition of mercaptans

• Non-toxic, non-corrosive

• Compressible – MAOP of systems

- Wells and storage – 500 to 3500 psig

- Transmission – 750 – 1000 psig

- Distribution – 15 – 60 psig

- Residential service line – 0.5 psig

• Liquefiable – LNG

- -270◦ F

- 1 to 600 ratio

• Explosion – when confined in the proper concentration

• Asphyxiant – at high concentrations

• Clean burning – >2X cleaner than oil or coal

• A mixture predominated by methane

• KNOWLEDGE KEEPS YOU SAFE

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NATURAL GAS SAFETY

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What To Do If You Smell Natural Gas

• If inside a building- Evacuate and leave the area immediately.- Once you are outside and a safe distance from the odor call “911”

• If you hit a line while excavating - Immediately turn off any machinery. - Leave the immediate area.- Secure the area to keep others out.- Call “911” , “811” and notify the Local Natural Gas Distribution Company

• DO NOT- Turn on any light switches, ring door bells, call on you cell phone or operate

any electrical equipment in the presence of a natural gas odor in a home or confined area.

- Run around the home or area trying to open windows and doors

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NATURAL GAS HOME SAFETY TIPS

• If your pilot or burner is substantially higher than normal, this could be an indication of excessive pressure.

• Dead or distressed vegetation above a pipeline is an indication of a gas leak.

• Always call “811” if you plan any excavation work in your yard.• Have your furnace checked annually for:

- Adequate ventilation - Proper combustion (blue flame)- Keep combustibles away - Change filters

• Proper operating appliance can not only save money but prevent conditions that can lead to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Invest in a UL-approved carbon monoxide detector and change the batteries annually.

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NATURAL GAS HOME SAFETY TIPS (continued)

• Watch your hot water settings – small children can be easily scald. • If going out of town consider having a neighbor or family member

check on your residence. Occasionally gas utilities require interruption of service to conduct unanticipated repairs.

• Check plastic vent pipes – Furnaces installed after Sept 1987 use high temperature plastic vent pipes.

• Uncoated brass flexible connectors installed prior to 1977 generally used to connect appliances such as stoves and dryers are subject to cracking and breaking.

• Customer buried fuel lines – should be maintained and checked annually. Hand dig to find these fuel lines in advance of excavation work near them. Call a plumbing or heating contract if you need help locating, repairing and inspecting.

Q&A