Bill > H2854

This bill aims to provide consumer protection measures related to private utility lines and poles. The key provisions are: 1. It allows residential ratepayers who use private utility lines or equipment to request the Department of Public Utilities to initiate proceedings to require the electricity generation company or supplier to replace the private lines, poles, and equipment with the supplier's own infrastructure to deliver power directly to the ratepayer. 2. It requires the disclosure of the presence of any private utility poles, lines, or equipment on a property as a material fact in real estate transactions, and provides a cause of action for buyers if this is not disclosed. 3. It mandates that electric bills sent to retail customers must include a notice that the customer is using private utility infrastructure, and requires the Department of Public Utilities to take enforcement action for any violations. 4. It requires the Department of Public Utilities to exclude the pro-rata share of maintenance fees for the supplier's service lines and distribution system when setting rates for residential customers who own and maintain their own private utility infrastructure.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H2854