Bill > H2848

This bill aims to ensure gas safety and consumer fairness in Massachusetts. Key provisions include: 1. Disallowing the allocation of costs for lost and unaccounted-for gas due to leaking infrastructure to ratepayers by January 1, 2023. 2. Requiring gas companies to notify fire departments and law enforcement within an hour of detecting Grade 2 and Grade 3 gas leaks, which are leaks classified based on their potential hazard. 3. Mandating that Grade 2 leaks be repaired within 6 months and kept under surveillance at least every 2 weeks until resolved. 4. Defining a new "Grade 3 leak with significant environmental impact" category and setting requirements for gas companies to survey, report, and repair these types of leaks. 5. Enhancing reporting requirements for gas companies, including publishing an annual service quality standards report with detailed data on gas leaks and their costs. 6. Requiring the Department of Public Utilities to establish winter surveillance and patrol standards for cast iron pipes prone to leaks due to frost conditions. 7. Modifying gas company infrastructure replacement plans to prioritize eligible non-protected steel, cast iron, and wrought iron pipes, and allowing for cost-effective repairs of certain Grade 3 leaks with significant environmental impact. Overall, the bill aims to improve gas safety, enhance leak detection and repair, increase transparency, and protect consumers from the costs of lost and unaccounted-for gas.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H2848