Bill > H3137

This bill aims to expand the ability of certain parties to participate as intervenors in adjudicatory proceedings conducted by the Department of Public Utilities regarding gas or electric companies. It also adds new requirements for gas companies to provide information to municipalities before digging up or opening public streets, and grants municipalities more authority to regulate the use of public ways by gas companies. The key provisions of the bill are: 1. Allowing municipalities within a gas or electric company's service area, members of the state legislature whose districts include ratepayers in that service area, groups of at least 10 ratepayers, and non-profit organizations with utility law expertise to fully participate as parties in DPU proceedings. 2. Requiring gas companies to provide detailed information to municipalities upon request, including maps of infrastructure, pipeline age and condition, leak history, and repair/replacement plans, before being granted permission to dig up or open public streets. 3. Empowering municipalities to further regulate gas companies' use of public ways and to petition the DPU to compel gas companies to provide the requested information. The bill aims to increase transparency and give more stakeholders a voice in DPU proceedings and decisions impacting gas and electric utility operations and infrastructure.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H3137