making improvements in florida

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© 2015 AGL Resources Inc. All rights reserved. AGL-13612 MAKING IMPROVEMENTS IN FLORIDA SAFE PROGRAM The SAFE (Safety, Access, and Facility Enhancement) program is a ten-year program that allows for the replacement and relocation of approximately 250 miles of natural gas pipeline across Florida. It is an investment in the natural gas distribution system serving homes and businesses. Replacing and relocating pipe with newer, technologically advanced plastic pipe that has a longer useful life will help ensure an even safer and more reliable natural gas pipeline system. By relocating the pipelines from rear easements to street fronts, Florida City Gas can assure its customers the safest and best possible service. Florida City Gas’ parent company, AGL Resources, was one of the first gas utilities in the nation to begin a proactive and comprehensive pipeline replacement program. ABOUT FLORIDA CITY GAS With roots that stretch back to 1946, Florida City Gas today serves approximately 106,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Florida’s Miami-Dade, Broward, Brevard, Palm Beach, Hendry, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties. Our basic business is to safely and reliably deliver natural gas to businesses and residents throughout Florida via the approximately 3,600 miles of distribution and transmission pipeline we manage and maintain. Our parent company, AGL Resources, is one of the nation’s preeminent distributors of natural gas serving approximately 4.5 million utility customers through its regulated distribution subsidiaries in seven states. AGL Resources is a Fortune 500 company and a member of the S&P 500 Index. For more information, visit aglresources.com. For questions or comments about the SAFE program please call 305.835.3602 or email us at [email protected]. © 2015 AGL Resources Inc. All rights reserved. FCG-13686 BENEFITS OF NATURAL GAS Natural gas is a colorless, odorless and non-toxic fossil fuel. It is the cleanest burning conventional fuel. Natural gas is used in energy, cooking and transportation, among many other applications. The United States is the world’s leading natural gas producer according to the U.S. Dept. of Energy. Because of the vast supply in North America, natural gas prices are stable and affordable. • Provides comfort and reliability – at a stable price • No matter the season or weather, natural gas is safe and reliable • Promotes energy independence: North America has one of the largest domestic supplies of natural gas in the world. • Today, most of our nation’s energy needs are met by fossil fuels, and natural gas is one of the cleanest, producing the fewest emissions. The other choices – alternative and renewable sources – are not readily available and currently meet only six percent of our energy needs. • Natural gas for heating is an environmentally responsible way to get the comfort and reliability you need. If you are not currently using natural gas in your home, this is the perfect opportunity to connect your gas service. We have more than $1,000 in appliance rebates that you can use to replace your current appliances. If you currently have natural gas and would like to replace an old natural gas appliance, we offer rebates as well. Please visit floridacitygasrebates.com for more information. Learn more about the benefits of natural gas at naturalgas.org.

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Page 1: MAKING IMPROVEMENTS IN FLORIDA

© 2015 AGL Resources Inc. All rights reserved. AGL-13612

MAKING IMPROVEMENTSIN FLORIDA

SAFE PROGRAMThe SAFE (Safety, Access, and Facility Enhancement) program is a ten-year program that allows for the replacement and relocation of approximately 250 miles of natural gas pipeline across Florida. It is an investment in the natural gas distribution system serving homes and businesses. Replacing and relocating pipe with newer, technologically advanced plastic pipe that has a longer useful life will help ensure an even safer and more reliable natural gas pipeline system. By relocating the pipelines from rear easements to street fronts, Florida City Gas can assure its customers the safest and best possible service. Florida City Gas’ parent company, AGL Resources, was one of the first gas utilities in the nation to begin a proactive and comprehensive pipeline replacement program.

ABOUT FLORIDA CITY GASWith roots that stretch back to 1946, Florida City Gas today serves approximately 106,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Florida’s Miami-Dade, Broward, Brevard, Palm Beach, Hendry, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties. Our basic business is to safely and reliably deliver natural gas to businesses and residents throughout Florida via the approximately 3,600 miles of distribution and transmission pipeline we manage and maintain.

Our parent company, AGL Resources, is one of the nation’s preeminent distributors of natural gas serving approximately 4.5 million utility customers through its regulated distribution subsidiaries in seven states. AGL Resources is a Fortune 500 company and a member of the S&P 500 Index. For more information, visit aglresources.com.

For questions or comments about the SAFE program please call 305.835.3602 or email us at [email protected].

© 2015 AGL Resources Inc. All rights reserved. FCG-13686

BENEFITS OF NATURAL GAS

Natural gas is a colorless, odorless and non-toxic fossil fuel. It is the cleanest burning conventional fuel. Natural gas is used in energy, cooking and transportation, among many other applications.

The United States is the world’s leading natural gas producer according to the U.S. Dept. of Energy. Because of the vast supply in North America, natural gas prices are stable and affordable.

• Provides comfort and reliability – at a stable price

• No matter the season or weather, natural gas is safe and reliable

• Promotes energy independence: North America has one of the largest domestic supplies of natural gas in the world.

• Today, most of our nation’s energy needs are met by fossil fuels, and natural gas is one of the cleanest, producing the fewest emissions. The other choices – alternative and renewable sources – are not readily available and currently meet only six percent of our energy needs.

• Natural gas for heating is an environmentally responsible way to get the comfort and reliability you need.

If you are not currently using natural gas in your home, this is the perfect opportunity to connect your gas service. We have more than $1,000 in appliance rebates that you can use to replace your current appliances. If you currently have natural gas and would like to replace an old natural gas appliance, we offer rebates as well. Please visit floridacitygasrebates.com for more information.

Learn more about the benefits of natural gas at naturalgas.org.

Page 2: MAKING IMPROVEMENTS IN FLORIDA

5 STEPS – CONSTRUCTION

STEP 1: LOCATE EXISTING UTILITIES Before construction can begin, existing utilities, such as water, sewer, phone, etc. are located. This helps to ensure that these services are not accidentally damaged by Florida City Gas contractors when the replacement work gets underway. Spray painted markings on streets, sidewalks, and along public right-of-way show where these underground utilities exist. It is important that the markings remain visible for the safety of both the public and construction workers in the area for the duration of each neighborhood project.

STEP 2: REPLACE THE GAS MAINNext the contractor will replace and relocate the existing pipe from the rear easement to the front of the property. The contractor will use a noninvasive directional drilling method where possible. This technique will help reduce construction impacts and allow the use of smaller excavated areas.

STEP 3: CONNECT THE NEW LINE TO HOMES AND BUSINESSESOnce the new natural gas main is installed, the individual service lines to homes and businesses will be replaced and/or connected to the new distribution line. Depending on the amount of gas main replaced, the actual work to transfer the existing service or replace it entirely could happen several weeks after the initial gas main replacement. This gap in timing results from the need to have all of the new gas main installed before gas is introduced into the main. The construction work to replace the natural gas service line most frequently begins in the public right-of-way and extends to the customer’s gas meter (typically at a building wall).

STEP 4: RESTORE GAS SERVICE TO HOMES AND BUSINESSOnce the gas service line has been replaced and/or transferred to the new natural gas main, a Florida City Gas contractor or field service representative will schedule a time to enter the residence or business to relight all working appliances that operate on natural gas. This step is coordinated with the occupant, resident, or property owner so that someone can be onsite. Customers should NOT attempt to relight their appliances.

STEP 5: RESTORE CONSTRUCTION AREASince the replacement process is completed in phases, Florida City Gas’ contractors use temporary restoration materials such as wheat straw on soft surface areas. On hard surface areas that have been disturbed (such as sidewalks, driveways, streets, etc.) gravel or temporary asphalt patches will be used until permanent restoration can be completed at the end of the project. Florida City Gas’ contractors are responsible for final restoration at the end of the project. Using temporary restoration measures while the work is in progress stabilizes the area of construction, whether a yard, sidewalk, or street, while allowing the project to move forward in an efficient manner. The amount of time between the initial excavation and final restoration can be several weeks or even months based on a number of variables, including weather, project area terrain, etc. Florida City Gas’ goal is to restore an area as closely as possible to its pre-construction condition once the project is complete while adhering to all local paving and erosion control ordinances.

© 2015 AGL Resources Inc. All rights reserved. FCG-13686

Page 3: MAKING IMPROVEMENTS IN FLORIDA

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS SAFE PROGRAM

What is the SAFE Program?Florida City Gas’ Safety, Access, and Facility Enhancement (SAFE Program) is an improvement to our natural gas distribution system.

Why does Florida City Gas need to replace and relocate my current pipe?The replacing and relocating of existing gas mains and associated facilities will provide more direct access to facilities and will enhance the level of service provided to all customers through improved safety and reliability.

Where will the replacement projects happen?The majority of the replacement projects under the SAFE Program will be in and around Dade and Brevard counties and in surrounding south Florida areas.

How will I find out about a SAFE Project in my area?Florida City Gas will send construction notification letters to residences and businesses directly affected by a planned replacement project. Those living and working in proximity to a project may also receive a letter if the work could affect them.

Will my gas service be affected by a replacement project?For customers directly impacted, the replacement work may also include transferring or even replacing their individual service line that connects their gas meter to the new main. Florida City Gas will make arrangements with individual customers to transfer their meter to the new service and relight their working appliances.

Can I restore my own service if I am not at my house/business when the gas service is temporarily turned off?Customers should NOT attempt to re-light any appliances that use natural gas. Once the gas service line has been replaced or transferred to the new gas main, a Florida City Gas contractor or field service representative will schedule a time to enter the residence or business to re-light all working appliances that operate on natural gas. This step is coordinated with the occupant or property owner so that someone can be onsite. A door-hanger with a number for service representative will be left if no one is at the home or business when the service line is transferred. Efforts are made to restore service within a few hours of your call.

What if my yard or sidewalk is disturbed during the installation of the gas main or service line? Yard restoration is carried out by the contractor as the project progresses, with a final clean-up at project completion. Any disturbed areas will be returned as closely as possible to their pre-construction condition.

© 2015 AGL Resources Inc. All rights reserved. FCG-13686