Bill > H2812

This bill aims to clarify the authority and responsibilities of the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) in Massachusetts. Key provisions include: 1. Allowing municipalities within a gas or electric company's service area, state legislators representing the company's ratepayers, and groups of at least 10 ratepayers to participate as full parties in DPU adjudicatory proceedings regarding the company. 2. Prohibiting gas and electric companies from giving preference to affiliated companies in their relations, transactions, and dealings, and establishing a rebuttable presumption against DPU approval of contracts between a company and its affiliates. 3. Requiring the DPU to review and approve contracts over 1 year for gas pipeline capacity or liquefied gas storage that require new or expanded infrastructure, based on a public interest determination that considers factors like ratepayer impacts, environmental impacts, and demand-side alternatives. 4. Prohibiting gas companies from contracting for electricity and electric companies from contracting for gas, pipeline capacity, or storage. 5. Removing a provision that exempts gas demand forecasts from DPU review. 6. Requiring natural gas pipeline companies to obtain certain certificates and approvals before submitting petitions for survey access or eminent domain proceedings.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H2812