Amendments to Pipeline Regulations Approved

Wait times for residential gas hookups will be shortened, thanks to new amendments to pipeline regulations.

"The amendments will allow customers to get access to natural gas in a more timely manner, without compromising public safety," said Energy Minister Cecil Clarke. "As well, they will put Nova Scotia regulations in line with current federal regulations."

The amendments clarify the testing and inspection provisions required for newly constructed pipelines, bringing them in line with current federal regulations, such as the Canadian Safety Association Code and National Energy Board Onshore Pipeline Regulations. The changes were approved on Aug. 27.

The regulations distinguish between transmission and distribution lines (the larger lines that bring gas to an area or street) and service lines (the smaller lines that would bring gas to an individual residence). Under the amended regulations, a contractor that constructs a service line to a home can now hire an independent contractor to inspect the line, reducing costs and wait times for residential gas hook ups.

The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board supports the amendments, which had been sent for stakeholder consultation and posted on the Department of Energy's website for public consultation from July 13 to Aug. 3.