New Customer Form

Propane Gas Service Agreement

v13.02

SERVICE ADDRESS: Address Where Gas Service is Requested (the "Service Address")

Optional Unit #

BILLING ADDRESS: Address Where Bill is to be Sent (the "Mailing Address")

Same as Service Address

First Customer Information

Second Customer Information (if Joint Account)

This Propane Gas Service Agreement (the “Agreement”) is between the above‐named customers (collectively, the “Customer”), on one hand, and the owner(s) of the Distribution System and TCP Gas System (a “System Owner”) and Texas Community Propane, Ltd. (“TCP”), on the other hand. In consideration of the mutual agreements set forth herein and in accompanying documents and materials incident to Customer’s gas service, Customer agrees to purchase propane gas exclusively from TCP, and to fully comply with its obligations under this Agreement and under any gas‐related covenants, conditions, and restrictions of public record that bind the Service Address. TCP either owns, or has the exclusive right to operate, the Distribution System. As used herein, “Distribution System” means all gas mains and gas service lines/gas yardlines which provide propane gas service to any portion of the development/subdivision (the “Subdivision”) in which the Service Address is located, up to, but not including, and not beyond, each respective TCP gas meter located in the Subdivision. As used herein, “TCP Gas System” means the Distribution System and further up to and including, the TCP gas meter(s), but not beyond, located on and serving the Service Address. Additionally as used herein, “Customer Gas System” means and includes all parts and/or components of the gas system that are NOT part of the Distribution System and/or TCP Gas System, but rather include all gas lines/piping and gas appliances, both indoor and outdoor, located beyond (past) TCP’s gas meter(s) located at the Service Address.

Customer represents to TCP and each System Owner that the information provided by Customer herein is complete, true and correct. Customer has requested propane gas service from TCP and has chosen to accept service pursuant to this Agreement. No promises, assurances or agreements of any kind exist between TCP or a System Owner, on one hand, and Customer, on the other hand, other than those set forth in this Agreement. TCP’s provision of any services to Customer under this Agreement and by Customer accepting gas service, memorializes TCP’s, each System Owner’s and Customer’s acceptance of this Agreement without need for signature from either TCP, a System Owner or Customer.

No TCP or System Owner representative has the authority to orally modify this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, TCP and System Owner may amend or modify this Agreement by providing written notice of such modification to Customer (a “Modification Notice”). A Modification Notice shall include the modified terms of this Agreement, and may be sent by TCP to the Customer by any means, as determined by TCP in its sole discretion, which may include, but shall not be limited to, mail, email, text, or by posting notice of a modification of the Agreement on TCP’s website. If a modification or amendment to this Agreement is effected by TCP and System Owner, TCP’s provision of any services to Customer under this Agreement and by Customer accepting gas service, memorializes TCP’s, each System Owner’s and Customer’s acceptance of this Agreement as modified, without need for signature from either TCP, a System Owner or Customer.

By accepting gas service at the Customer’s Service Address, Customer expressly agrees that this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas. Customer further expressly agrees that any controversy or claim related to this Agreement (except for collection of charges billed according to TCP’s “Standard Fee Schedule”) will be resolved solely and finally by way of binding arbitration the forum of which will be in Austin, Texas in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) then in effect in the State of Texas, and judgment upon such award rendered by the Arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. All costs, including legal fees and arbitration costs incurred by TCP or a System Owner as a result of any dispute initiated or filed by Customer related to this Agreement shall be borne entirely by the Customer unless Customer fully prevails on each of Customer’s claims filed at any time during said dispute

SAFETY: For the safety of Customer, all Service Address occupants, including all tenants if any, all TCP personnel, and for the preservation of the Distribution System, TCP Gas System, and Customer Gas System, Customer expressly agrees and covenants:

Initial*: NOT to allow any person who is not a licensed propane professional to install, work on, repair, service, modify, connect, or disconnect any propane‐fueled appliance at the Service Address;
Initial*: TO COMPLY WITH ALL SAFETY INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS DELIVERED TO CUSTOMER BY TCP OR WHICH ARE REASONABLY AVAILABLE TO CUSTOMER and to CAUSE ALL PERSONS WHO OCCUPY the Service Address, including all tenants, if any, to be made aware of and comply with such Safety information.

Customer acknowledges that compliance with the SAFETY provisions in a) and b) above are for the safety and protection of Customer, all Service Address occupants, including all tenants, if any, and TCP personnel. Customer acknowledges that compliance with the SAFETY provisions in a) and b) above are for the preservation of the Distribution System, TCP Gas System, and Customer’s Gas System, and Customer assumes all risk and responsibility of Customer’s failure to comply with such provisions. Customer acknowledges that the Distribution System and the TCP Gas System, together with all modifications, replacements, and/or adjustments to said Distribution System and/or TCP Gas System are the personal property of TCP and Customer waives all rights to claim an interest in any and all such TCP Gas System and Distribution System. Customer hereby grants and conveys to TCP, its successors and assigns, a nonexclusive permanent easement and right to operate, connect, disconnect, inspect, maintain, test, repair, place, replace, or remove the TCP Gas System, as deemed necessary by TCP, over, under, and across a strip of land being five feet (5’) on each side of the centerline of any component of the existing TCP Gas System, as laid, including reasonable rights of ingress, egress, and access over the remainder of the Service Address property for the purposes herein specified. This easement and all such rights granted and conveyed shall survive the termination of this Agreement and is assignable by TCP. Should TCP request, Customer shall execute a separate easement document consistent with this grant and conveyance and such document may be filed of public record.

TCP will invoice Customer monthly in accordance with TCP’s applicable “Standard Fee Schedule” as it may be modified by TCP from time to time, and such other charges as authorized by this Agreement or that Customer may request. The “due date” for your monthly bill is printed on the bill. Customer agrees to pay to TCP by the due date all charges and fees billed to Customer for services rendered at the Service Address from the earlier of the date Customer took ownership or possession of the Service Address, to the date Customer properly terminates service pursuant to TCP policy. Failure to receive your bill does not exempt you from paying your monthly bill by the “due date” or exempt you from late charges and disconnection if payment is not timely received. Contact the TCP office to obtain your account balance if you suspect you have not received your monthly invoice. Please note that if payment is not received within 14 calendar days after the due date, Customer’s service will be subject to immediate disconnection at TCP’s sole discretion, without additional notice or demand. If your service is disconnected for non‐payment, you will be liable for payment of TCP’s re‐connection charges and other related charges upon re‐connection of service and you may be required to make an additional deposit. Reconnection of service will take more than 24 hours. If Customer’s check is returned unpaid for any reason, TCP may disconnect service for non‐payment without additional notice to Customer.

TCP may refuse to provide gas service to the Service Address unless: a) all obligations owed to TCP by Customer have been fully satisfied, and b) all gas service related accounts pertaining to the Service Address have been paid in full. Customer will be solely responsible to pay all taxes imposed on all sales and services rendered under this Agreement as invoiced to Customer. Customer authorizes TCP to obtain Customer’s credit information (including credit report) from such source(s) and for such purposes as TCP elects and TCP is authorized by Customer to report to credit bureaus and other parties deemed necessary or desirable by TCP of any Customer failure to make timely payment to TCP including, without limitation, unpaid balances and billing history. Customer agrees to additionally pay TCP, upon demand, all costs of collection (including, without limitation, court costs and attorneys’ fees) should Customer’s account become delinquent.

Customer agrees that neither Customer, his/her contractors or agents shall excavate or dig deeper than six (6) inches in any area at the Service Address without first both a) giving TCP three (3) business days advance notice, and, b) complying fully with all applicable excavation notice laws and programs, including without limitation, existing “Call 811” / “Call Before You Dig” / “One Call” laws and programs. Customer further agrees that if either a) such notice is not timely received by TCP, or b) if Customer, his/her contractors or agents, excavates or digs within three (3) feet of areas identified by TCP as containing the TCP Gas System or Distribution System, TCP and each System Owner is hereby released from all liability related to any damages, including consequential damages, which may occur from damaged gas lines or escaping gas and Customer shall be liable to pay TCP or a System Owner upon demand for all damages incurred by TCP or a System Owner, including, without limitation, the cost of repair/replacement of any and all damaged components of the TCP Gas System and the Distribution System, the retail price of any gas lost or unaccounted for, and the cost to re‐connect/re‐light TCP customers who may have lost service due to the incident.

TCP agrees to use reasonable efforts to provide propane gas service to Customer through the Distribution System and TCP Gas System. Such reasonable efforts shall for all purposes be deemed satisfied as long as TCP exercises reasonable efforts to restore service after receiving notice from Customer of an interruption of service at Service Address. By accepting gas service at the Customer’s Service Address, Customer expressly agrees that TCP shall not be liable to Customer or any third party for interruption of propane gas service to the Service Address for any reason as long as TCP makes reasonable efforts to restore such service after receiving notice from Customer of an interruption of service at Service Address. In addition, (i) Customer acknowledges that a System Owner is an owner of the Distribution System or TCP Gas System, has permitted TCP to utilize and operate the Distribution System or TCP Gas System, and has no obligation to supply the services contemplated by this Agreement, and (ii) by accepting gas service at the Customer’s Service Address, Customer expressly agrees each System Owner shall not be liable to Customer or any third party for interruption of propane gas service to the Service Address for any reason; provided, however, the foregoing shall not apply to TCP in the event TCP is a System Owner. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, TCP and each System Owner make no representations, covenants or warranties, express or implied, with respect to the condition, merchantability, quality, suitability or fitness for any particular purpose of the propane gas service provided by TCP pursuant to this Agreement. To the contrary, any and all such representations, warranties and covenants are hereby expressly disclaimed. By accepting gas service at the Customer’s Service Address, Customer expressly agrees that TCP and each System Owner is hereby released by Customer. Further, by accepting gas service at the Customer’s Service Address, Customer expressly agrees that TCP and each System Owner shall not be held liable or responsible for, and shall be saved and held harmless by Customer, from and against any and all suits, actions, losses, damages, claims, or liability of any character, type, or description, including all expenses of litigation, court costs, and attorney’s fees (collectively, “Claims”) for injury or death to any person, or injury to any property, received or sustained by any person or property, arising out of, or occasioned by, directly or indirectly, TCP’s delivery of, or failure to deliver, propane gas service or related services to Customer pursuant to this Agreement. Customer expressly agrees these obligations apply whether or not any such claim is alleged to have been: a) caused in whole or in part by: i) Customer’s alleged, claimed, or asserted failure to completely comply with Customer’s obligations or requirements set forth in this Agreement; ii) any alleged inadequacy, disrepair or defects in Customer’s Gas System; or, b) under any circumstance as long as TCP provides propane gas service to Customer in material conformity with this Agreement.

Time is of the essence in this Agreement. If any term or provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable by either an Arbitrator or Arbitration Panel and/or a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby and each term and provision of this Agreement shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas. Venue for any legal proceedings arising out of this Agreement, (save and except any disputes regarding the terms of this Agreement which shall be resolved in accordance with the Arbitration provision previously agreed to herein), shall be in the county where TCP’s principal place of business is located. The terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon Customer, each System Owner and TCP, and each of their respective heirs, executors, successors and assigns. Customer represents that they have the authority to execute this Agreement and that they know and understand the rights and obligations which are created in this Agreement. Customer agrees to accept notices at the Service Address. Customer acknowledges that the terms and conditions of this Agreement may be modified by TCP from time to time and upon notice via mail, email, or any other reasonable method of notification provided to Customer, any such modifications shall be incorporated as part of the Agreement effective as of the earlier to occur of a) actual notice to Customer, or b) three business days after mailing the notice to Customer. TCP may assign this Agreement to its successors or affiliates at any time without notice.

1st Customer Printed Name*

Initial*

2nd Customer Printed Name (if applicable)

Initial (if applicable)

Date: April 16, 2024

Payment Options

A current Fee Schedule will be mailed to you.

Late Fee is only charged if postmark date is after due date (if there is no postmark date on your letter, then date of receipt is used).

Payments can be made by check, money order, online bill pay, credit card or e-check. Cash can be accepted at Austin area Money Gram locations, please call for Company Code. All checks and money orders must be made payable to Texas Community Propane, Ltd. A third party accepts credit card and e-check payments with a processing fee.

If a customer submits two insufficient checks or stops payment within a 6 month period, and additional deposit may be required to keep your account open and checks will not be accepted for payment for up to one year.

Homeowner deposits will be refunded to the customer gas account after 24 months of good payment history provided there have been no more than two late payments in a 12 month period, no insufficient fund payments, and no disconnects for non-payment. If you are disconnected for non-payment or policy violation, a reconnect fee and additional deposit may be required.

Renter deposits will not be refunded until the account is closed. If you are disconnected for non-payment or policy violation, a reconnect fee and additional deposit may be required.

To terminate service, customer must deliver by fax, email, or mail a completed "Service Termination Request Form" to the TCP.

Gas Company Phone Numbers for Customer Service: 512-272-5503 and Emergency:1-877-635-5427 (1-87-SMELLGAS)

Initial*:

Date: April 16, 2024

"Excess Flow Valve" Offer

The safe delivery of gas remains a primary mission of the worldwide gas industry. One of the devices available in the industry is the “excess flow valve” or EFV. This EFV is utilized in the industry to detect cut or severed gas lines and to reduce the amount of gas flow through the line should this situation occur.

The EFV is designed to detect an abnormally high flow of gas. When this abnormally high flow is detected, the valve automatically activates to reduce the passageway in the pipe so that only a small amount of gas can trickle through the line. Once the situation that caused the abnormally high flow of gas has been corrected and the gas pressure in the line equalizes, the EFV resets and allows the normal flow of gas to resume.

Texas Community Propane, Ltd. is offering to install an Excess Flow Valve meeting the performance standards of 49 CFR 192.381 to serve its customers homes. The EFV would be installed underground near where the yardline serving your home connects to the gas main. The EFV should automatically restrict the amount of gas that would otherwise blow in the event the yardline was cut, damaged, or severed (note: the yardline connects at the gas main and extends and ends at our gas meter.)

Texas Community Propane, Ltd. is offering to install an Excess Flow Valve for a total cost of $395.00 (includes parts, labor, equipment and procurement). If you would like to order the installation of an EFV at your home, please fax (512-899-9333) or mail this form to us and we will contact you to schedule the installation. Please note that the fee quoted does not include replacement of any landscape and we are not responsible for any damage to landscape during the installation process. Texas Community Propane, Ltd. cannot be and is not responsible for any damages due to the malfunction of the EFV in the event it should fail to operate as intended. Further, the customer will be responsible for the cost of maintenance (no scheduled maintenance is expected however) if required, and replacement of the EFV if necessary (replacement would cost $395).

Yes, I request that Texas Community Propane, Ltd. install an “excess flow valve” to serve my home and agree to pay $395.00 in advance for this service. Please contact me to schedule an installation date.

Accept or Decline*: DeclineAccept

Initial*:

Date: April 16, 2024

Full Name*:
Phone#*:
Best Time to Contact*:

WARNING

Regarding Potential Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Need for Carbon Monoxide Detector

Who do I call if I suspect Carbon Monoxide is present? First, immediately evacuate all people from the home. Immediately call your Fire Department (usually 911). They are equipped to identify Carbon Monoxide and to evaluate any physical symptoms you or other household members may be experiencing.

VERY IMPORTANT: Each year, more than 500 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning. We strongly recommend that you install Carbon Monoxide Detectors in your home. These detectors can be found at most major hardware stores.

VERY IMPORTANT: The flame on your propane gas appliance should be blue in color. If you notice the flame on your appliance consistently burns with a yellow tip, this is a sign the appliance is not burning properly and may be emitting Carbon Monoxide. We recommend you immediately stop using the appliance until you have had a licensed propane professional evaluate your appliance. Also, NEVER try to heat your house with your gas oven or gas cooktop. Failure to follow these instructions may cause serious injury or death.

What is Carbon Monoxide? Carbon Monoxide is often referred to as “CO”, which is its chemical symbol. Unlike many gases, CO has no odor, no color, is invisible, has no taste, and doesn’t irritate your skin.

Why is Carbon Monoxide Dangerous? Your red blood cells pick up Carbon Monoxide quicker than they pick up oxygen. If there is a lot of Carbon Monoxide in the air, your body may replace oxygen in your blood with Carbon Monoxide. This blocks oxygen from getting into your body, which can damage tissues in your body and lead to unconsciousness and death. Knowing where CO is found and how to avoid it can protect you from serious injury or death.

What are the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning? The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. High levels of carbon monoxide inhalation can cause loss of consciousness and death. Unless suspected, carbon monoxide poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other illnesses. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from carbon monoxide poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.

What causes Carbon Monoxide? The most common residential causes of Carbon Monoxide are fireplaces that do not burn properly (e.g., you shouldn’t smell fireplace smoke in your home and fireplaces should not emit soot outside of the firebox). Also, gas appliances that do not burn properly (creates soot on appliance or pans or burns with consistent orange/yellow flame tips instead of blue) or are not vented properly can create Carbon Monoxide.

How can I know my gas appliances are operating properly? We strongly recommend that you engage a licensed propane professional to inspect all of your gas appliances, both indoor and outdoor, and venting, at intervals no less than at least each heating season, and also any time you suspect any of your appliances may not be working properly or smell gas and suspect a possible gas leak. Call the fire department if you suspect a leak.

We strongly recommend that you install Carbon Monoxide Detectors in your home. They are designed to alert you if Carbon Monoxide exists.

Full Name*:

Initial*:
Date: April 16, 2024

Pipeline Awareness

PROPANE GAS – SAFE, EFFICIENT, RELIABLE and UNDERGROUND

Propane is a safe, reliable fuel that has been used for decades in various residential and commercial applications. Propane gas is heavier than air, odorless, and colorless with an odorant added to identify by smell. Propane is one of the nation's most
versatile sources of energy and supplies 3 to 4 percent of our total energy needs. Nearly 11 billion gallons of propane are consumed annually in the U.S. by more than 50 million Americans who use propane every day in their homes, on farms, for vehicles, and even for recreation. People trust and rely on propane for heating and cooling their homes, heating water, cooking, refrigeration, drying clothes, barbecuing, lighting, and fueling their gas fireplaces. This exceptional fuel is available anywhere in the U.S. and burns cleanly, so it's environmentally friendly.

Although it is unlikely that you will experience a propane gas leak, the information provided in this handout is very important and assists in preparing you for safely responding to gas emergencies if one should occur.

USING YOUR SENSES TO RECOGNIZE A SUSPECTED LEAK:

A propane leak can usually be detected by using your natural senses:

Sight - Propane gas can accumulate in the form of a dense fog, mist, or white cloud. If you see a dense fog, mist, a white cloud, it may be the presence of propane gas. Propane gas can also discolor or kill vegetation. If you see unexplained discolored or dead vegetation, there may be a propane leak in the soil. Also, if you see bubbling in surface water, this may also be a sign of the presence of propane gas bubbling up from a leaking gas pipe. Finally, if you notice any unusual or suspicious activities taking place within or near pipelines or pipeline facilities, report this activity to us and to your local law enforcement officials.

Smell - Propane is naturally odorless. However, an odorant has been added to propane in order to give it the odor of rotten eggs. This odor makes the presence of propane gas detectable by most people’s sense of smell. If you smell an unidentifiable “rotten egg” smell, you may be smelling propane gas.

Sound - Propane gas is pressurized when it is in the gas mains or pipes. When propane escapes from the pipes through a leak it often causes a hissing, whistling or roaring noise. Hearing an unidentified hissing, whistling or roaring noise can alert you to a possible gas leak.

Using your senses to be aware of your surroundings is vital to detecting and responding safely to a propane gas emergency.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU SUSPECT A LEAK?

FIRST, IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW WHAT NOT TO DO:

Do Not do anything that could create a SPARK.
Do Not turn anything on or off.

WHAT TO DO:

Do leave the area of the suspected leak.
Do call TCP (1-877-635-5427) and a technician will be sent to the
area to evaluate the situation
Do warn others to stay out of the area

PIPELINE MARKER INFORMATION

Pipeline Markers are an important safety precaution. Since our pipelines are buried underground, Pipeline Markers are used to identify their approximate location. Pipeline Markers can be found at most street, highway, and railway intersections. Be aware of any Pipeline Markers in your neighborhood; write down the gas operator’s name and phone number in case of an emergency. (Note: There are areas where gas pipelines exist that do not have Pipeline Markers; remember to always call Texas 811 for line locates before digging). Pipeline Markers DO NOT show the depth of pipelines, the number of pipelines, or the exact location of the pipeline. Pipeline Markers usually DO show the approximate location of the pipeline, the product transported, the name of the gas operator company and their emergency phone number.

"CALL BEFORE YOU DIG"

State law requires that before digging, you must contact TEXAS 811 (call “8-1-1”) and follow all the 811 rules (e.g., rules include waiting periods before digging). The 811 call center is required to contact most of the utility companies serving the location you are digging and these companies should then each mark the location of their utility lines at your location. These markings are intended to let you know where the utility lines are located so that you can avoid digging in that area and prevent you from accidentally causing an emergency by digging and damaging/cutting utility lines. Your call to 811 is a free call and there is no charge for us to mark the location of our gas lines. After calling 811, if you don’t see our yellow paint or yellow flags at your location, DO NOT DIG even if the waiting period has passed because the markings either haven’t been marked yet or have been removed or washed away! Also, always dig with only a shovel if you are digging anywhere near where a gas line is marked or suspected to be located.

Full Name*:

Initial*:
Date: April 16, 2024

Customer Information Regarding Propane and Safety

Introduction

Propane is a good, reliable fuel that has been used for decades in various residential and commercial settings. Although propane has historically been priced higher than natural gas, propane has historically been priced lower than electricity and hence its popularity and wide use exists. The propane industry is primarily regulated by the Texas Railroad Commission, a state agency located in Austin, Texas. The extent of such regulations involves product pricing and safety and installation matters. Assistance regarding regulatory matters and general queries regarding propane may be answered by contacting this state agency.

The Texas Railroad Commission licenses inspectors, plumbers, and appliance repairmen to work on propane gas systems and appliances. These licensed propane professionals are referred to throughout this and other TCP information as “licensed propane professionals” or “propane professionals”. We strongly recommend that our customers only utilize these “licensed propane professionals” to inspect and work on anything having to do with the customer’s propane gas system. Do not try to do the work yourself or by way of any person who is not a licensed propane professional.

Benefits of our Texas Community Propane System and Service

As your distribution system retailer, TCP is pleased to provide propane gas service to you through our community propane gas system. Our service is different from traditional propane service because, instead of each home having an individual storage tank, we supply service to our customers through an underground system supplied by a centralized propane storage facility. Some of the benefits our system provides to our customers include:

Because the communities we serve do not allow individual customer propane storage tanks, the community does not have the negative visual appearances often associated with numerous, unsightly propane tanks in each home’s yard.
Because our supply is centralized, we eliminate the need for numerous propane trucks to drive through your neighborhood making multiple individual deliveries at varying times of the day.
Unlike traditional propane service, you don’t pay large amounts in advance for your propane energy; rather, you only pay after you’ve used the gas and only for the amount you’ve used. We send you a gas bill each month based upon a current reading of the gas meter located at your home

Propane Safety

Like many other fuels, propane is flammable. That means it can be dangerous if not handled properly. Remember, in order to protect you, your family and others, you must be aware of and respect the normal everyday hazards around you. Propane is no exception.

This general information is intended to help increase your understanding of how to use your propane gas system safely. Read it now, and make certain your family, friends, and visitors to your home are also familiar with this accident prevention information. Keep this information in a handy place for future reference.

A Pressure Situation

The propane in your gas system is under pressure. Because propane gas is stored in the gas pipes that run both outside and inside your house, in the unlikely event your system develops a leak, (which can be caused by physical damage or deterioration), it can become dangerous.

Propane burns at an even rate when properly mixed with air, as in your stove or furnace. But, if a leak occurs, a flame or spark could ignite it. If that happens, it could cause a fire – or even an explosion. Although such accidents are rare, we want you to be aware of this possibility.

Know Your Propane Gas System

The propane gas system serving your home has four basic parts to be aware of. Two parts are owned by the Gas Company and are its sole responsibility, and the other two parts are owned by the customer and are the customer’s sole responsibility. The four parts are:

Gas Company’s underground gas piping including a gas main and a yard line extending to and connecting to a Gas Meter Loop;
Gas Company’s Gas Meter Loop including gas piping, shutoff valve, and regulator connected to the Gas Meter;
Customer’s Gas Piping existing past/beyond the Gas Meter. This piping extends beyond the Gas Meter and into and throughout the house and sometimes into the backyard or sideyard of the house supplying outdoor appliances such as gas grills, pool heaters, etc.; and
Customer’s Gas Appliances which are located beyond the Gas Meter and are at the end of the customer’s Gas Piping.

Gas Company’s Underground Gas Piping (main and yard line)

Gas piping carries propane gas from the gas company’s offsite supply tanks through underground gas mains and a yard line to the gas meter located at your house (The gas main is usually located either in or near the street or along your side or rear property line; the yard line extends from the gas main to the gas meter). The gas within the gas mains and yard lines is at a high pressure and will leak if cut or damaged. State law requires that before digging in your yard, you must contact TEXAS 811 (call “8-1-1”) and follow all the 811 rules (e.g., rules include waiting periods before digging). The 811call center is required to contact most of the utility companies serving your home and each company should then mark the location of their utility lines at your property. These markings let you know where the utility lines are located so that you can avoid digging in that area and prevent you from accidentally causing an emergency by digging and damaging/cutting utility lines. Your call to 811 is a free call and there is no charge for us to mark the location of our gas lines at your property. DO NOT DIG until you have made the 811 call, followed all their requirements, and have been assured all lines have been marketed.

NOTE: After calling 811, if you don’t see the gas company’s yellow paint or flags marking the lines in your yard, DO NOT DIG even if the waiting period has passed because the markings have either not been marked yet or have been removed or washed away! Also, always dig with only a shovel if you are digging near where a gas line may be buried. Failure to follow these instructions and warning could cause serious injury or loss of life.

Gas Company’s Gas Meter Loop

The underground yard line pipe extends from the gas main to the gas meter loop. The gas meter loop consists of above-ground gas piping, a gas shutoff valve, a gas regulator, and a gas meter and is usually located outside at the side or rear of your home. A“shutoff valve” is part of the meter loop located before the regulator and gas meter. This valve turns the gas “on” or “off” to the meter and beyond into the customer’s gas system, (i.e., gas piping and gas appliances in the house). A regulator exists after the valve and before the meter. The regulator functions to reduce the gas pressure entering the meter and house from high pressure to low pressure. The gas meter measures the amount of gas that passes through the meter into your gas system.

Customer’s Gas Piping Located Past the Meter

Gas is carried from the gas meter loop to your gas appliances through gas piping located in your home’s walls, ceilings, foundation (restricted in some cases) and attic and sometimes outside to your outdoor appliances (e.g., outdoor grill, pool heater). Be careful when nailing into walls, etc. so that you don’t create a gas leak by damaging a gas line. TCP is not responsible for installing, inspecting, maintenance, or servicing customer’s gas system including your gas piping, appliances, or system components that exist at any point beyond the Gas Meter Loop.

Customer's Gas Appliances

Propane gas is burned as fuel to operate your gas appliances. Most of the homes we serve come equipped with a propane gas hot water heater to heat water; propane gas furnace to heat air inside the home; and, propane gas stove or cooktop for cooking. Other common propane gas appliances include clothes dryer, fireplace (gas log set or flame starter), outdoor grill, and swimming pool heater. Note: A natural gas appliance should NEVER be connected to your propane gas system UNLESS the appliance has first been properly converted for propane use by a licensed propane professional. Unconverted natural gas appliances operated with propane gas creates a potentially dangerous hazard

How do you tell if there is a leak?

By smell. A disagreeable odorant is added to the propane gas so that you should be able to detect the smell in case a leak develops or an unlit burner is left turned on.
By electronic gas alarm. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU INSTALL ELECTRONIC GAS ALARMS. A gas alarm supplements a person’s ability to detect a gas leak and sounds a warning when it detects the presence of unburned propane.

You should be aware that some persons have different thresholds of smell and cannot detect the odor of propane as readily as others. Also, sometimes people with a normal sense of smell temporarily lose their ability to detect odors because of illness, use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs. Also, cooking odors, tobacco smoke and aerosol and odor removing sprays can cover up other odors. In certain instances, the odorant in the propane may diminish or weaken, making it difficult or impossible for a person with a normal sense of smell to detect a gas leak. This is called “odorant fade”. Because some or all of the above situations may arise, we strongly recommend that you install electronic gas alarms according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Be aware that being heavier than air, leaking propane may tend to settle near the floor while dissipating in the air and this should be taken into consideration when determining the placement of a gas detector.

Some steps to take if you smell gas, suspect a gas leak, or the gas detection alarm sounds

If you smell gas in the house, suspect a gas leak, or if the gas alarm signals the presence of gas, IMMEDIATELY follow these recommendations:

DO

Get everyone outside and away from the building.
Call the Fire Department from a neighbor’s phone or other phone outside and a safe distance away from your house.
Call TCP to send a technician to turn the shutoff valve off at the gas meter
Stay outside until the leak has been found and fixed, then
Contact TCP to restore gas service.

DO NOT

Do anything that could create a spark
Turn anything “on” or “off”
Try to locate the leak yourself

Inspection of your appliances

Routinely (at least annually), call a licensed propane professional to examine your gas appliances for any conditions that may render the appliances inefficient or unsafe for use, similar to how you have your automobile checked periodically. All appliances, including gas appliances, should be regularly inspected and maintained to eliminate possible hazards from malfunctions that could create hazards.

A routine inspection should consist of (but not be limited to) detecting any unsafe or potentially hazardous situations, such as the following:

Substandard and/or lack of venting systems on appliances requiring them.
Sootiness (black carbon dust) and/or the accumulation of soot around interior and exterior appliance components such as around pilot lights, appliance burners, range tops, oven components, etc. Soot indicates that the appliance is not operating properly or efficiently.
Leakage of water around or through water heater valves, fittings or jackets. CAUTION: This should alert you to the fact that the water-heating device has some internal damage.
Missing or damaged control components such as dials, knobs, screws, etc.
Controls that have been tampered with (evidenced by altered design function, missing or substituted components, etc.);
Controls that have been under water or subjected to flooding. Such controls may not function properly and must be replaced;
Unstable appliance bases and/or platforms. Warped, rotting or substandard bases and/or platforms may collapse creating a potentially hazardous condition;
Problems in gas line connections such as kinks, corrosion, deterioration, etc. Any abnormality should be inspected by a licensed propane professional since failure to correct these problems could create a hazardous situation;
Unsatisfactory or unusual operation of gas valves and safety controls;
Gas leakage in the appliances or piping system; and
Improper appliance and gas system installation.

WARNING: Carbon Monoxide is a poison and can be produced from improperly installed or operating appliances and can result in death. Frequent headaches and nausea may be indicators that this colorless, odorless gas is present and is causing carbon monoxide poisoning. To minimize the chance of this happening, some practices to follow include

For your safety, WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you install Carbon Monoxide Detectors which can be purchased at local hardware stores.
Some appliances are required to have vents in order to exhaust harmful combustion gases to the outside.
Vented appliances must be installed by a qualified appliance installer;
Do not operate vented appliances until they have been vented properly;
Proper venting systems can help keep walls and other surfaces from overheating;
After appliance installation and before each heating season, the vents and flues should be checked for blockages and corrosion by a licensed propane professional;
If you buy a used appliance, have it inspected and installed by a licensed propane professional;
After any work, repair or replacement occurs on roofs or in attics we recommend a licensed propane professional inspect all venting.

When properly installed and maintained, the venting system will also keep walls and other surfaces from overheating and possibly catching fire. Not all gas appliances are suitable for operating on propane. If you buy a used appliance, be sure it is listed for propane and have it installed by a qualified propane-licensed technician.

General Safety Precautions

Here are some general safety procedures to follow when using your propane appliances:

Be alert for the odor of propane when around a gas appliance;
If you smell gas, do not try to light the appliance;
Read and follow the instructions and warning labels provided by the appliance manufacturer;
The pilot on your gas appliance has a safety device. If you have trouble keeping it lit, this device is warning you about a problem. Call a licensed propane professional for assistance;
Never force any appliance control. If you cannot operate the knobs, switches or buttons by hand, call your licensed propane professional. Never tamper with the controls;
Not all gas appliances are suitable for operating on propane. If you buy a used appliance, be sure it is listed for propane and have it installed/converted by a licensed propane professional.

Additional Safety Tips

Keep combustibles, such as curtains, paper, cleaning fluids, etc., away from any energy source, including gas and electric appliances, where they may cause a hazard;
Keep a B/C rate fire extinguisher readily available. Be sure it is charged and that you and your family know how to use it;
Gas appliances, like humans, need oxygen (air) to function properly;
If you smell gas near the gas meter outside your home, call TCP immediately;
Use only listed propane appliances. Look for the seal from a nationally recognized independent testing laboratory;
Use gas grills outdoors only.

If you lose gas pressure in your home

If you lose gas pressure (no or low pressure) in your home, a potentially hazardous condition can result, so follow these steps:

Leave the house and move a safe distance away from the house, and
Call TCP. We will send a serviceman to check the gas pressure being supplied by TCP.

Your Gas System (piping and appliances): Installation, modification, or repair

Remember this required notice which recommends using only persons licensed or registered by the State of Texas to work on propane/LPG systems:

WARNING: Flammable Gas. The installation, modification, or repair of an LPG (Liquified Propane Gas) system by a person who is not licensed or registered to install, modify, or repair an LPG system may cause injury, harm, or loss. Contact a person licensed or registered to install, modify, or repair an LPG system. A person licensed to install or repair an LPG system may not be liable for damages caused by the modification of an LPG system by an unlicensed person except as otherwise provided by applicable law.

If you have a gas appliance installed, modified, serviced or disconnected, i) contact us and let us know what work was done, ii) fax or mail a copy of the related installation service order/invoice containing the identify and license # of the technician who performed the work; and iii) schedule a time for us to perform a leak check at your home.

VERY IMPORTANT: TCP is in the business of supplying metered propane gas to its customers. This is done by delivering propane gas through TCP’s propane gas system of pipes to TCP’s gas meter – all located outside of Customer’s home or building - and then to Customer’s gas system. Customer’s gas system includes all pipes and appliances, both indoors and outdoors, located beyond TCP’s gas meter. Although customer’s gas system is supplied gas from TCP’s gas meter, Customer is solely responsible for Customer’s gas system.. As part of its service, TCP’s personnel provide general safety information to Customer; however, TCP is not in the gas plumbing or gas appliance installation, service or repair business. TCP strongly recommends you contact a licensed propane professional to install, start-up, inspect, and service your gas system in its entirety beyond TCP’s gas meter, at intervals no less than at least each heating season, and any time you suspect any of your appliances may not be working properly or smell gas and suspect a possible gas leak. Companies providing these services may be found on our website, from the Texas Railroad Commission, or generally online, although TCP does not endorse any particular company. Even if your gas system has appeared to safely operate in the past (e.g., oven, cooktop, furnace, water heater, fireplace, dryer, grill, pool heater, etc.), an unknown significant hazard may currently still exist with one or more of these appliances and/or your gas piping. These licensed propane professionals are best able to confirm your customer gas system is in good, safe operating condition (e.g., properly installed, converted, vented, flame adjusted, in good operating and maintained condition). Note, although TCP personnel may have previously entered your home on a limited basis and as a courtesy, their assistance was very limited in scope and was not intended to replace your need to engage a licensed propane professional to thoroughly review all aspects of a customer’s gas system and should not be relied upon as such.

If You Move From Your Home

ALWAYS CONTACT US SEVERAL DAYS BEFORE YOU MOVE to ensure you receive a timely final meter reading. To terminate service you will need to complete and deliver (fax, mail, email) a Service Termination Request Form to us. A final meter reading will be taken within 3 business days of the requested termination date. You will remain responsible for service at the address until the final meter reading. Also, please note that the TCP may refuse to provide gas service to an address where a prior gas account has not been paid in full (e.g., for a homeowner’s tenant).

Summary

Properly operated and maintained, your propane gas system of piping and appliances can provide you many years of clean-burning, efficient service. If you have any questions once you have read this information, or do not understand any part of it, call us. All of us at TCP want you to be an informed, safe customer and appreciate the opportunity to serve you.

Texas Community Propane, Ltd.

PO Box 90187
Austin, TX 78709

Customer Service Line: (512) 272-5503
Fax: (512) 233-0547

Emergency Hotline (24/7): (877) 653-5427 (877-SMELLGAS)

Full Name*:

Initial*:
Date: April 16, 2024

WARNING

Regarding Odorant Fade, Need for Gas Detector, State Notice

State Notice

Texas law now requires that the following warning notice be provided to you:

WARNING - Flammable Gas. The installation, modification, or repair of an LPG (propane) system by a person who is not licensed or registered to install, modify, or repair an LPG system may cause injury, harm, or loss. Contact a person licensed or registered to install, modify, or repair an LPG system. A person licensed to install or repair an LPG system may not be liable for damages caused by the modification of an LPG system by an unlicensed person except as otherwise provided by applicable law.

Odorant Fade and Gas Detection Devices

VERY IMPORTANT: We strongly recommend that you install Gas Detection Devices according to the device manufacturer’s instructions below each of your gas appliances to assist in the detection of the presence of a gas leak. Undetected gas leaks can cause serious injury or be fatal.

VERY IMPORTANT: Although the gas delivered to your home has been odorized, the chemical odorant may “fade” for a variety or reasons outside of TCP’s control. This “fading” can result in the gas becoming odorless and therefore not detectable by your sense of smell. Odorless gas is deadly!

What is odorant fade?

Propane gas is an invisible, odorless gas in its natural state. To aid in the detection of gas leaks, an odorant chemical has been added to the gas that is delivered to your home. This odorant chemical gives the gas the “obnoxious” smell it has. This smell is important because this enables you to detect the presence of the gas with your sense of smell. Note, during your Customer Orientation you should have smelled the gas odorant so that you would be aware of its odor. Please contact us if you would like us to mail you a brochure that has an odorant smell example so that you can smell the odor again and refamiliarize yourself and your family with the smell. If you suspect or have been diagnosed with any type of medical condition that affects our sense of smell you are instructed to install gas detection devices as this would likely be the only manner in which a person with inability to smell can be made aware of gas leaks. Failure to do so can cause serious injury or be fatal.

Why is odorant fade important to be aware of?

Because propane gas is odorless in its natural state, if the chemical odorant fades and loses its odor, the gas will become odorless again and you will no longer be able to detect the presence of the gas by smell if a gas leak exists in your home. This is a deadly situation in the event of an undetected leak!

What should a homeowner do?

First, we strongly recommend that you install Gas Detection Devices according to the device manufacturer’s instructions, below each of your gas appliances (remember propane gas is heavier than air so leaking gas usually will move downward towards the floor), to assist in your detection of the presence of a gas leak. These devices detect gas by means other than smell and therefore are designed to notify you even when the gas has no odor. These devices can be purchased at major hardware stores.

Second, call TCP if you detect odor fade may exist (i.e., notice the gas has weak odor). We will check the strength of the odorant at the gas meter to ensure it is readily detectable.

Is there any reason to install Gas Detection Devices if there is no odorant fade?

Yes! Although odorant may be present in the gas, you or a person in your home may not be able to smell the odorant due to having a allergies, cold or flu, or because the person has a poor sense of smell. Also, the device continues to work while you are sleeping.

Full Name*:

Initial*:
Date: April 16, 2024

New Customer Propane Education Checklist

The State of Texas licenses propane inspectors, plumbers and appliance repairmen. TCP strongly recommends that our customers only utilize these "licensed propane professionals". Any and all references in our safety or informational handouts to "licensed propane professional" or "propane professionals" refers only to such persons. Do not attempt to do any propane gas related repairs, inspections, or work yourself or by using un-licensed persons. Doing so is dangerous and may lead to serious bodily injury or death.

Customer has received Gas Company Phone Numbers for Customer Service:512-272-5503 and Emergency: 1-877-635-5427

Characteristics of Propane

Propane is heavier than air and may pool or settle near the floor or ground.

Because propane gas is odorless, an odorant has been added to the gas so that most people can smell unburned gas. When TCP comes to turn on your gas, you will be given the opportunity to smell the gas odorant. The best method to detect gas, however, is to install gas detection monitors, which TCP strongly recommends. These may be purchased at local hardware stores.

WARNING RE Odorant Fade: The odorant in propane gas can fade to the point where a person can no longer readily detect it. This is called "Odorant Fade". Please read the important "Odorant Fade" handout provided to you. Because odorant can fade, TCP strongly recommends that each customer install Gas Detection Devices near the gas appliances per the device's manufacturer's instructions. A Gas Detection Device can detect unburned gas even if the odorant has faded and while you are asleep. They can be purchased at local hardware stores. Please contact TCP if the odorant is not "readily detectable".

TCP's Gas System

TCP's gas system only includes gas mains, yardline, and a meter loop. All are located outside the customer's house.

TCP's Mains and Yardline

Mains and yardlines are underground gas pipes that supply gas to the gas meter.

The State of Texas has a "call before you dig" law requiring everyone (e.g., homeowners and homeowner's contractors are included) to call "811" and follow all the 811 rules (note: a waiting period before digging exists). This and other important information is included in the Pipeline Awareness handout.

Please read the "Pipeline Awareness" handout NOW.

Per Federal regulations, TCP offers to install an Excess Flow Valve located at the Customer's address for a fee. The valve can reduce the quanity of gas that escapes when the yardline is cut or damaged. Details are provided in the "Excess Flow Valve" handout.

Please read the "Excess Flow Valve" handout NOW.

TCP's Gas Meter Loop

TCP owns the gas meter loop located at customer's address.

Customer is responsible for any damage to the meter loop. Do not allow non-TCP personnel to touch, operate, or work on the meter loop. Do not hang or attach anything to the meter loop because this could create a leak.

The Meter measures the amount of gas you use. TCP will adjust (up or down) prior bills up to 12 months if it detects a meter error.

Shrubbery should be kept at least 30 inches from every side of the meter loop at all times to insure quick access and prevent endangering TCP or emergency personnel.

All fencing must be at least 3 feet away from and behind the meter so that TCP personnel do not have to enter a gate or pass through a fence in order to access the meter loop.

When shrubbery or fence violations occur, a service fee and/or service disconnection will occur until the violation is corrected.

Customer's Gas System

The Customer's gas system includes all the piping that exists beyond the TCP gas meter and includes all pipes and appliances, both indoor and outdoor. Customer is solely responsible for Customer's gas system.

Customer's Gas Piping

The customer's gas piping begins after the meter and extends throughout the house and sometimes outside to provide gas to appliances, both indoor and outdoor (e.g., outdoor grill, pool heater, etc.)

Customer's Gas Appliances and Outlets

Every gas appliance should have a cutoff valve and customer should be familiar with its location and how to turn the gas valve off.

Your cooktop will likely be turned "on" using an "electronic spark ignition". Be aware that if the cooktop's gas fails to ignite or blows out after ignition, the cooktop's open valve can continue to supply unburned gas allowing it to escape, accumulate, and potentially create a hazard.

WARNING -Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless poison gas that results from improper appliance combustion or venting. Important details are included in the "Carbon Monoxide" Handout.

Please read the "Carbon Monoxide" handout NOW.

If you suspect that any of your appliances are burning improperly or are vented improperly, stop using the appliance and contact a propane professional.

Blue is the color of gas when it is burning properly, not orange/yellow. Orange/yellow flames mean there is something wrong with that appliance. If you see orange/yellow flames immediately stop using the appliance and contact a licensed propane professional to inspect and repair that appliance. Do not use that appliance until it has been repaired. Failure to follow this instruction can be deadly.

"Soot" is a sign of improper combustion which can create Carbon Monoxide. Ovens, cooktops, and cookware (pots/pans) should not "soot up" (turn black). If soot occurs, stop using the appliance and call a licensed propane professional and do not use it until it is repaired.

Operating a natural gas appliance with propane fuel creates a hazard unless the appliance has been properly converted. Each natural gas appliance that has been converted for propane use should have a "Conversion Tag" stating the appliance was converted for propane use.

We strongly recommend you have your appliances inspected by a propane professional even if the appliances have operated before.

Before each heating season, we recommend you have your gas system, including all gas appliances, inspected by a propane professional.

GAS LEAK Inside the home

If you smell gas, suspect a gas leak, or your Gas Detection Device sounds an alarm, IMMEDIATELY EVACUATE ALL PEOPLE FROM THE HOUSE TO A SAFE DISTANCE FROM THE HOUSE and call your Fire Department. Then call TCP at 512-272-5503 (M-F 9-4) or 24/7 emergency line (877-635-5427). We will dispatch a technician to turn off the gas meter.

DO NOT do anything that could create a SPARK.

DO NOT turn anything ON or OFF!

DO NOT try to locate the leak yourself.

GAS LEAK Outside the home

If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak outside the home, call TCP at 512-272-5503 (M-F 9-4) or 24/7emergency line (877-635-5427). We will dispatch a technician to evaluate TCP's gas system.

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