Bill > H3173

This bill aims to ensure natural gas safety and consumer fairness in Massachusetts. Key provisions include: 1. Prohibiting gas companies from allocating the cost of 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 1 (hazardous), Grade 2 (non-hazardous but requiring repair), and Grade 3 (environmental impact) gas leaks. 3. Establishing procedures for municipalities and property owners to submit claims for damages caused by gas leaks, and requiring gas companies to replace trees damaged by leaks. 4. Mandating that gas companies survey pipelines in school zones annually and repair any Grade 3 leaks within 6 months. 5. Enhancing transparency by requiring gas companies to report detailed data on gas leaks and infrastructure replacement plans, and the Department of Public Utilities to publish this information publicly. 6. Directing the Department to establish standards for winter surveillance and patrol of cast iron pipes to address hazardous frost cap conditions. 7. Requiring gas companies to file infrastructure replacement plans with the Department, which must then be shared with the relevant municipalities.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H3173