2017 Achievements

Gas Achievements 2017 Click to enlarge
In 2017, we replaced 1249 metres of gas main, installed 145 metres new gas main, replaced 12 gas services, replaced 624 gas metres, installed 108 gas services, inspected or maintained 296 gas valves, replacing or repairing 56.

What's the context?
We've provided data on our achievements in 2017. If you're looking for additional context on how much overall infrastructure we maintain, check out our overview infographics.

624 gas meters replaced
is out of  15,000 gas meters in the municipal gas distribution system. Our efforts to replace 4,951 gas meters in 2016  (9,000 over 2.5 years) allowed us to move from a reactive program to one that is proactive, at a replacement rate of 10 per cent annually.

Gas Valve Maintenance Program

Utilities Kingston maintains over 1,400 mainline gas valves. The gas valve maintenance program helps to ensure the integrity of the municipal gas distribution system. In 2017, we inspected or maintained 296 valves, focusing on high pressure and steel gas mains, and priority valves for schools, hospitals and construction sites.  

This program was optimized in 2017 by implementing the location-based application Collector for ArcGIS. Crews access and update real-time, up-to-date valve data in the field, which in turn is used to determine preventative maintenance and schedule service work using Workforce for ArcGIS. Overall, digitizing the process has resulted in more reliable information and increased productivity, helping to improve the safety and reliability of the municipal gas distribution system. 

iPad displaying gas valve data from ArcGIS Collector

Improving Weather Resilience: Gas Meters

Splash guards are devices that attach to the gas meter's regulator to prevent vents from freezing, helping to ensure safe and reliable gas services.  While newer regulators are designed to prevent this issue, in 2017 we retrofited 3,625 older regulators to help protect them from freezing.  Any regulators that needed to be retrofited have now been completed.

A gas meter splash guard propped in front of gas meters

Although your outdoor gas meter is designed to withstand winter weather, heavy or hard-packed snow and ice on your meter can be a safety hazard. A splash guard helps protect the regulator from freezing.

Training

Competency Assessment Program

Staff training and competency continued to be a key focus. We identified training and assessment requirements under the Competency Assessment Program.  All new employees involved in gas operations took part in the Technical Standards & Safety Authority Gas Pipeline Inspectors Certification.

Gas Utility Technician 1 Certification

Five gas technicians participated in a training course to receive the Gas Utility Technician 1 certificate. This recognized course for gas technicians is a supplement to a Gas Technician 2 certificate. It provides an alternative license so employees can perform some of the duties of the Gas Technician 1, as long as they are in the employment of the gas distributor that provided the training.  

A collage showing technicians conducting hands on training
With the goal of providing more training opportunities for staff, this course helps to improve organizational capabilities.

Ensuring Gas Safety

As part of maintaining the integrity of the natural gas system, on an annual basis we inspect over 20 per cent of the infrastructure for leaks.  

Overall, we maintain 256 kilometres of gas main and the other assets described in our natural gas overview infographic. Here's what we inspected in 2017: 

2017 Gas Leak Survey Click to enlarge
In 2017, we surveyed 56 kilometres of gas main, 3713 gas services and 26 kilometres of high pressure lines. We found and fixed 12 leaks.

Regulation and Legislation

Reporting System Damage

Ontario Regulation 210/01, Oil And Gas Pipeline Systems, requires that Utilities Kingston reports when there has been damage to the system that results in a gas leak. In 2017, there were a total of nine occurrences, compared to 22 in 2016. An increased public awareness of gas hits helped encourage a downward trend. 

Audit of Customer Appliances

As part of a Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) audit, mandated under the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act, we conducted 638 inspections of customer-owned appliances, piping and fittings, and identified 246 hazards. Property owners were advised on what to do next, helping to improve occupant safety.

To support this activity, Utilities Kingston and TSSA co-hosted a free information session for local gas fitters, heating installers and HVAC technicians about gas appliance installation and inspection.

stock photo of a furnace

Cathodic Protection 

Effective cathodic protection extends the life of steel pipelines for improved safety and asset management. Approximately 25 per cent of the municipal gas distribution is composed of steel. In 2017, we reviewed procedures to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems code. In 2018, Utilities Kingston will update policies and train staff. 

Legal Requirements of Gas Meters

In accordance with TSSA and Measurement Canada requirements, we completed a 2.5 year initiative to replace over 9,000 gas meters.

We have put a program into place to proactively change 10 per cent of the 15,000 municipal gas meters per year, on a go-forward basis. As determined by Measurement Canada, and in accordance with the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act, every year we will send a sample number of gas meters to verify accuracy and that the meters conform to legal requirements.

Gas meters must be verified and reverified within appropriate periods, established on the basis of their stability of performance, application and usage. Measurement Canada determines how meters are selected for verification. This is based on criteria that include age, size and manufacturer. Meters are typically verified and reverified every 7 to 10 years.

Distribution System Integrity Management Program

The Distribution System Integrity Management Program (DSIMP)  is a requirement under CSA Z662- 15 Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems.  In 2017, we conducted the annual compliance review to identify and address issues.   

The annual review focused on the continued improvement of procedures that support the DSIMP, focusing on the areas of emergency response and leak detection.  

 

Gas by the Numbers

 15,053

Homes and Businesses Served
 121 from previous year

 95.4M

Gas Usage (m3)
 113K from previous year

Financials