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H 3975

An Act relative to establishing a commission to address double utility poles in the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul McMurtry

Establishes a 6-member commission to study and recommend removal of double utility poles in Massachusetts, improving safety and reliability, with a final report due Dec 31, 2026.

Accompanied H3487
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Bill Summary · H 3975

Summary: H.3975 — An Act relative to establishing a commission to address double utility poles in the Commonwealth

Purpose and background

H.3975 proposes the creation of a special commission to study and implement solutions for “double utility poles” in Massachusetts. A double pole situation arises when a replacement utility pole is erected alongside an existing pole and neither pole is removed, potentially creating safety, reliability, and coordination challenges. The bill declares this an emergency measure to address the public convenience promptly.

Key provisions

  • Commission creation and composition

    • Establishes a 6-member special commission to study removal of double utility poles.
    • Members:
    • Chair: Secretary of the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (or designee)
    • Representative from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation
    • Representative from the Massachusetts Municipal Association, Inc.
    • Representative from Eversource Energy
    • Representative from National Grid
    • Representative from Unitil Resources, Inc.

  • Study scope and activities

    • Assess the current state of double poles in the Commonwealth.
    • Identify legal, financial, and regulatory barriers to removal.
    • Provide legislative recommendations for pole removal.
    • Analyze economic implications of removing double poles.
    • Propose funding mechanisms for removal.
    • Establish best practices and procedures for removal.

  • Reporting requirements

    • The commission must prepare a final report detailing findings and recommendations.
    • Deadline for report: December 31, 2026.
    • Report to be submitted to:
    • Chairs of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
    • Chairs of the Joint Committee on Transportation
    • Chairs of the Senate and House Ways and Means committees
    • Offices of the House and Senate clerks

Status, timeline, and procedural notes

  • Introduced: March 31, 2025; filed as House No. 3975 (related to HD 1144)
  • Committee action: Referred to the Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy (as of 2025-03-31)
  • Senate action: Senate concurrence on April 3, 2025
  • Hearing: Scheduled for June 4, 2025 (1:00 PM–5:00 PM, in A-2)
  • Emergency provision: The bill is labeled an emergency law to facilitate immediate action regarding double poles.
  • Reporting date extension: The reporting date has been extended to Wednesday, December 3, 2025 (as of the latest legislative action).

Who is affected

  • State agencies: Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (and its secretary), Department of Transportation.
  • Municipal interests: Massachusetts Municipal Association, Inc.
  • Utilities: Eversource Energy, National Grid, Unitil Resources, Inc.
  • Potentially: Municipalities and utility customers, through changes in pole removal practices and any resulting cost or policy changes.

Related legislation

  • HD 1144 is identified as related (and described as replacing H.3975 in some dockets).

Impact and implications

  • The bill seeks a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach to address the safety, reliability, and cost considerations associated with removing redundant utility poles.
  • By funding discussion and policy development, it could lead to future legislation on regulatory reforms, cost-sharing mechanisms, or funding for pole removal projects.
  • The commission’s recommendations may influence utility practices, municipal planning, and state regulatory policy.

Next steps

  • Await the commission’s final report due by December 31, 2026, which will inform potential follow-up legislation and regulatory changes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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