To ensure that every Natural Gas Distribution system in Mississippi is in compliance with 49-CFR-192-199, as is or
hereinafter amended, and promotes full compliance with said code.
This rule is intended to apply, and does apply, only to certain local natural gas distribution systems in Mississippi that are distributing
natural gas for sale to ultimate consumers in the geographic areas certificated to said systems by the Commission and to master meter operators.
Provided, however, not withstanding any other provision of this rule to the contrary, this rule shall not apply to any investor-owned local
natural gas distribution system that, as of November 1, 1994, served in excess of 20,000 metered locations within the state of Mississippi.
- OPERATOR QUALIFICATIONS:
Every operator, except master meter operators, shall have 136 hours of training prior to that operator transporting gas in the State of
Mississippi. Every master meter operator shall have 121 hours of training prior to that master meter operator transporting gas in the State
of Mississippi. The hours of training for all operators shall be as follows:
1. Classroom instructional training.
(a) minimum of 21 hours for master meter operators;
(b) minimum of 36 hours for all other operators.
2. A master meter or other operator may be given credit toward his or her hours of training at 20 hours per year for a maximum of five years.
The amount of credit given shall be determined by the Mississippi Public Service Commission.
3. Hours may not be transferred to any other individual.
4. After initially completing his or her hours of training, a master meter operator must maintain 21 hours of continuing education with all
other operators maintaining 36 hours of continuing education, provided by a Mississippi Public Service Commission approved course or instruction.
An operator has 3 years after completing his or her initial training to accumulate his or her continuing education hours.
5. After November 1, 1994, anyone engaged in transportation of natural gas, (January 1, 1998 for master meter operators), must apply to the
Commission, unless grandfathered, for a Certificate of Competency, issued by the Commission. However, in the event of loss of operator, due to
illness, death, discharge or other legitimate cause, notice shall be immediately given to the Commission, and the continued operation of such
system without a certified operator may proceed on an interim basis for a period not to exceed one hundred eighty days (180): a petition for
extension showing good cause may be presented to the Mississippi Public Service Commission.
6. Grandfathering of any person or system as of November 1, 1994, (in case of Master Meter System December 31, 1997) shall apply to the Commission
for and shall be issued an operators certificate without examination or proof of qualifications, provided the application is accompanied by an
affidavit of the owner of the facility verifying the status of the applicant. Any certificate so issued shall be valid only for the particular
facility being operated by the applicant.
7. No system subject to the provisions of this rule shall be required to have more than one operator meeting the qualifications set forth in
paragraph A of this rule.
- DEFINITIONS:
1. MUNICIPALITY: A city, county, or other political subdivision of a state.
2. OPERATOR: An individual having primary responsibility operating, maintaining a distribution pipeline for transportation of gas.
3. SYSTEM: Any individual, firm, joint venture, partnership, corporation association, municipality, cooperative association, or
joint stock association and including any trustee, receiver, assignee, or personal representative therefore.
4. STATE: The State of Mississippi.
5. TRANSPORTATION OF GAS: The distribution of natural gas to the public for compensation by a local natural gas distribution system.
6. MASTER METER OPERATION: A pipeline system for distributing gas within, but not limited to a definable area, such as a mobile home
park, housing project, or apartment complex.
7. ASSOCIATION: The Mississippi Natural Gas Association.
8. COMMISSION: The Mississippi Public Service Commission.
9. LOCAL NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM: Distribution mains, meters service lines, and other facilities and equipment located within the
certified service area of a local distribution company and used for the purpose of intrastate sale and distribution of natural gas to be the public
for compensation; however, said term shall not include facilities and equipment used for the production and gathering of natural gas, in or within
the vicinity of the field where produced, or the distribution or sale of liquefied petroleum gas, or the sale or transportation of natural gas in
interstate commerce.
10. CLASS A SYSTEMS: Natural gas distribution systems of over 20,000 meters may satisfy the requirements of this administrative rule by
demonstrating to the Commission that by training and education the operators of the systems have met the standards for certification and therefore
do not need to have individually named operators.
11. CLASS B SYSTEMS: Those natural gas distribution systems of less than 20,000 meters and more than 3,000 meters, may elect to meet Class
A standards or Class C standards.
12. CLASS C SYSTEMS: Those natural gas distribution systems of less than 3,000 meters are required to have a designated operator.
13. CLASS D SYSTEMS: MASTER METER OPERATION - Those persons who manage or are responsible for a Master Meter operation.
- DUTIES, MEMBERSHIPS, MEETINGS AND EXPENSES:
1. There shall be an Advisory Committee established to assist the Commission and Association in the certification of natural gas operators and the
regulatory program thereafter. The duties of the Committee shall be to consult with these agencies in all matters pertaining to certification programs
and make appropriate recommendations regarding rules and procedures. The Committee shall consist of (5) members as follows: Three (3) persons engaged
in transportation of natural gas, elected in staggered terms by association, one member from Class A and two members from Class C, one (1) person at
large selected by the Committee to serve at pleasure of the Committee, one (1) appointed representative of the Mississippi Public Service Commission.
2. The Chairman of the Advisory Committee shall be elected by and from the Committee membership. The Committee shall meet at least twice per year
at the call of the Chairman. Members of the Committee shall be reimbursed by their respective organization only, and not by Committee, Association,
or Commission.
3. The minutes shall be recorded and filed with the Public Service Commission.
- APPEALS
Any operator, system, or master meter operation aggrieved by this administrative rule, must file a petition stating the grievance to the Committee.
The Committee will recommend to the Mississippi Public Service Commission the possible solution that the Committee feels is appropriate. Final decision in
all grievances rests with the Mississippi Public Service Commission.
- PENALTIES
Any operator of system found by the Commission, or any duly designated hearing officer appointed thereby, to be in violation of any of these provisions
or any rule, regulation or order of the Public Service Commission, shall be subject to fines and/or penalties as provided by law.*
* RULE 57.2 As amended by Order of the Commission in Docket 1997-AD-508, effective January 1, 1998
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