1. Gas Utility Operations Best Practices Program
February 13-14, 2013
Gas Utility Operations Best Practices Program
2013 Quality Management Best Practices Roundtable
Le Meridien, Philadelphia, PA
Group Discussion Summary – Leak Survey
Facilitator – Patricia Ward

2.
Note: The survey responses are based on an informal survey and are for general information only. They are not intended to bind any company or state a company's official position. The information represents an unaudited compilation of information and could contain coding or processing errors. Anyone using this document should rely on his or her own independent judgment or, as appropriate, seek the advice of a competent professional. References to work practices, products or vendors do not imply an opinion or endorsement by AGA or a responding company. This publication is confidential and proprietary to AGA. AGA Full and Limited Members are granted a limited license to reproduce this publication for internal business purposes but not for regulatory or civil matters. This document is not intended to provide legal advice or opinions. As always, you should consult your legal counsel for advice based on the law and your company’s specific facts and circumstances. Copyright & Distribution: Copyright © 2013 American Gas Association. All rights reserved. This work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by information storage and retrieval system without permission in writing from the American Gas Association. AGA Full, Limited and International Members are granted a limited license to reproduce this publication for internal business purposes but not for regulatory or civil matters.

3. How should the quality of work being performed be measured
Ensure all services and mains are surveyed
% of leaks found by leak survey vs customer call in
Review end to end process to identify efficiency
% of rechecks in compliance
% of leaks found by grade
% of surveys past due
Measure the accuracy of the leak surveyor route above the line

4. Describe the key components of an audit and training program
Develop requirements to audit against and have an audit procedure for consistency
Audit requirements need to be approved by Engineering, Safety, and Integrity Management
Require Pre-qualification, OQ review/approval, onboarding, provide facility records, and follow up site inspections
Audit is separate from training and recommendations are made as a result of audit findings
Trend the metrics
Contractor training and OQ - some utilities train and OQ external resources, other utilities manage training and OQ via contract

5. Describe the innovative technologies and procedures being implemented
Watcher System – Training software developed by Heath
GPS units
GPS breadcrumb trail to verify survey route
Electronic maps
GIS system prints maps and SAP schedules and routes work orders
Mobile GIS
Electronic data in an Asset Management System
DPIR – Detecto Pak Infra Red
RMLD – Remote Methane Leak Detector
Picarro – mobile leak survey software and vehicle mounted – atmospheric conditions, wind, weather
Maximo – Data can be plotted
Advantica
Field Force Manager
Optimain – Risk tool

6. Describe the innovative technologies and procedures being implemented
Forecasting and planning- main replacement program, risk mitigation, condition-based, input to DIMP
Updated processes - walk services and mains by same person
Match up surveys- atmospheric corrosion and leak surveys
Review work practices and modify procedure manuals
Residential/Cast Iron/Business District leak survey is combined

7. Describe key management considerations accounting for differences between employees and contractors
Core competency of utility
Perform surveys for critical and complex locations, transmission lines, hard to reach locations, and large urban areas
Maintain control
Qualified to repair while on site
Risks include lack of audit controls and loss of focus due to employees performing multiple tasks
Contractors
Increased ability to hold contractors accountable via contract
Cost effective for standard work
Standard processes
Fewer compliance errors
Secondary resource to backup internal resources
Risks include contractor management challenges, curriculum challenges, and high turnover rate

8. Other Key Issues

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The American Gas Association, founded in 1918, represents more than 200 local energy companies that deliver clean natural gas throughout the United States. There are more than 71 million residential, commercial and industrial natural gas customers in the United States, of which 92% — more than 65 million customers — receive their gas from AGA members. Today, natural gas meets almost one-fourth of the United States’ energy needs.