Why worry about gas… lines?
By Kara Van Pelt Register-Herald Reporter – April 1, 2012
BECKLEY — The City of Beckley is introducing a new, optional program available to city homeowners that provides low-cost, worry-free warranty protection for gas lines through the National League of Cities Service Line Warranty Program and administered by Service Line Warranties of America — SWLA.
Mayor Emmett Pugh explained this program is a continuation of similar programs offered in the past.
“That is simply a continuation of a program the city has been offering for some time,” Pugh stated. “We started out with a sewer line replacement program, then one for water lines, and now there is a warranty program for gas lines.” He said many citizens may be unaware that they are responsible for the maintenance and repair of their buried, outside gas lines; and should the line break or leak, repairs can be very costly.
The Service Line Warranty Program offers homeowners an affordable way to avoid the unexpected and often large expenses involved with a gas line break, Pugh said.
“For someone who lives in an older home, like me — my house was built in 1960 — the optional program makes a lot of sense because for just over $4 a month, the program provides the first $4,000 of coverage with no deductible. So for a homeowner like me, that’s a good thing,” Pugh explained.
“For newer homes that were recently built, there wouldn’t be a lot of sense in this program because those lines last a long time,” he added. The mayor said if Beckley residents haven’t already received the program offer in the mail, to expect one in the near future.
Beckley is introducing an optional program available to city homeowners.
The cost for citizens who choose to purchase the Warranty Program is $4.25 per month to cover repairs up to $4,000. Once a homeowner reports a broken gas line, a certified technician will be on-site within 24 hours, Pugh said. “This is a nationally endorsed program by the National League of Cities and is also endorsed
by the West Virginia Municipal League,” Pugh stated. “It is a tried, proven, true program and it is a great opportunity for the city residents because it’s optional.”
He added, “We think it’s a really good thing and we have heard some really positive comments about it from people who have utilized it.”
Brad Carmichael, vice president of business development for SLWA, said he was excited to continue working with the city and believes residents will be appreciative of the amenities the program offers.
“We think Beckley residents will be pleased with our features and benefits, including a 24-hour repair hotline and the use of local, certified technicians,” Carmichael said. “This keeps dollars in the local economy, an important benefit in these tough financial times.”
The National League of Cities, representing over 218 million Americans, is the nation’s oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance. After a decade in business, SLWA has accreditation with the Better Business Bureau.
For more information call 1-866-922-9006 or visit www.slwofa.com.
— E-mail: kvanpelt@register-herald.com