Bill > S2118

This bill aims to ensure gas safety and consumer fairness. Key provisions include: 1. Disallowing the allocation of costs for lost and unaccounted-for gas from leaking infrastructure to ratepayers by January 1, 2025. 2. Requiring gas companies to notify fire departments and law enforcement within an hour of detecting Grade 2 and Grade 3 leaks, which are defined based on factors like proximity to trees, foundations, and school zones. 3. Establishing a process for municipalities or property owners to submit claims for damages caused by gas leaks to the Department of Public Utilities. 4. Requiring gas companies to report detailed data on gas leaks, including their location, classification, repair dates, and emissions impact, in an annual public report. 5. Mandating the Department of Public Utilities to establish standards for winter surveillance and patrol of cast iron pipes prone to hazardous frost cap conditions. 6. Modifying gas company infrastructure replacement plans to prioritize non-cathodically protected steel, cast iron, and wrought iron pipes, and allow for cost-effective repair of certain Grade 3 leaks with significant environmental impact.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S2118