Bill > S1847

This bill aims to clarify the authority and responsibilities of the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) in Massachusetts. Key provisions include: 1. Allowing municipalities, state legislators, and groups of ratepayers to participate as full parties in DPU proceedings regarding gas and electric companies. 2. Prohibiting gas or electric companies from giving preference to affiliated companies, and establishing a rebuttable presumption against approval of contracts between a company and its affiliates. 3. Requiring the DPU to review and approve contracts for the purchase of gas or electricity that exceed one year, and establishing criteria for the DPU to consider in approving contracts for gas pipeline capacity or liquefied gas storage that involve new or expanded infrastructure. 4. Prohibiting gas companies from contracting for electricity and electric companies from contracting for gas, gas pipeline capacity, or liquefied gas storage. 5. Requiring gas companies to present information on gas demand in their forecasts and hearings. 6. Imposing additional requirements on natural gas pipeline companies seeking to access private or public land for survey purposes prior to eminent domain proceedings.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S1847