New regulations have been promulgated by the DPU, 220 CMR 19, which address the emergency preparedness of electric and gas companies.
In December 2008, an ice storm in the Fitchburg area left many customers without electricity for weeks. In response, the legislature enacted St.2009, c.133, which provides reporting requirements for electric and gas companies and authorizes the Department of Public Utilities to promulgate regulations " to establish standards of acceptable performance for emergency preparation and restoration of service for electric and gas distribution companies doing business in the commonwealth."
The purpose of the new regulations is to establish:
"(a) standards of acceptable performance for emergency preparation and restoration of service for electric distribution and gas companies; and
(b) requirements for Emergency Response Plans, consistent with the provisions of St. 2009, c. 133, an Act Relative to Public Utility Companies."
