Bill > S2155

This bill establishes a commission to study the potential net benefits of undergrounding utility wires in Massachusetts. The commission will compare the total cost of undergrounding utility distribution and transmission lines across different regions of the state, with the "societal cost" of not undergrounding, which includes factors such as loss of GDP, utility costs, safety hazards, and disruption of internet service. The study will also analyze the division of costs between state, municipal, and other entities, and the timing of these costs over 10, 25, and 50 years. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Public Utilities to promulgate regulations requiring utility companies to establish a ranking system for undergrounding their utility lines based on prudence.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S2155