Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts Senate Bill S2118

Introduced
2/16/23  

Caption

Relative to ensuring gas safety and consumer fairness

Impact

S2118 establishes stricter notification requirements for gas companies when leaks are detected, including a mandate to notify local fire departments within an hour of identifying a Grade 2 leak, which signifies a potential hazard. Moreover, it delineates new categorizations for gas leaks based on their environmental impact, urging immediate action on leaks classified as Grade 3 that pose a significant environmental threat. This heightened emphasis on prompt reporting and remediation could significantly improve safety standards, especially in school zones and densely populated areas, ensuring targeted monitoring and repair schedules are adhered to by gas companies.

Summary

The bill S2118, titled 'An Act relative to ensuring gas safety and consumer fairness,' aims to enhance the safety protocols and consumer protections associated with natural gas distribution in Massachusetts. It introduces specific amendments to Chapter 164 of the General Laws, particularly focusing on the management of gas leaks and the accountability of gas companies in reporting and addressing such leaks. Notably, the bill mandates that gas companies cannot pass the costs of unaccounted gas losses from infrastructure leaks onto consumers, effective by January 1, 2025, thereby protecting consumers from bearing the financial burden of deficiencies in gas infrastructure maintenance.

Contention

The introduction of this bill may lead to significant discussions around its feasibility and the regulatory burden it places on gas companies. Proponents argue that such measures are essential for public safety and to mitigate the costs associated with gas leaks, while opponents might suggest that increased regulation could lead to higher operational costs for gas companies, possibly resulting in increased gas prices for consumers. Furthermore, the implications of this legislation could provoke debates about the balance between consumer rights and corporate profitability, alongside broader environmental considerations related to gas infrastructure.

Companion Bills

MA S2179

Similar To To reduce gas leaks

MA S2719

Replaced by Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy to make an investigation and study of certain current Senate documents relative to matters of telecommunications, utilities and energy.

Previously Filed As

MA H3173

Relative to ensuring gas safety and consumer fairness

MA H3195

For field safety in gas infrastructure

MA H3533

For field safety in gas infrastructure

MA S2123

Relative to natural gas shut-off valves, gate boxes and public safety

MA S2271

Relative to natural gas shut-off valves, gate boxes and public safety

MA S631

Ensuring safe drinking water in schools

MA S735

Relative to fairness in debt collection

MA H3222

Improving gas safety in excavation

MA S629

Relative to fairness in debt collection

MA S2151

Providing for natural gas workforce safety

Similar Bills

UT HB0355

Mining and Critical Infrastructure Materials Amendments

CA AB1539

Commercial vessels: protection and indemnity insurance.

CA SB74

Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation: Infrastructure Gap-Fund Program.

NM HB42

Public Project Revolving Fund Projects

CA SB1253

Infrastructure plan: flood control: delta levees.

CA SB955

Office of Planning and Research: Infrastructure Gap-Fund Program.

CA AB1359

Cybersecurity: critical infrastructure business: breach notification.

HI SB897

Relating To Energy.