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HD 1107

An Act relative to replacement plans

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Lawn

The bill allows gas companies or municipal utilities to petition the Department of Public Utilities for approval of alternate gas meter replacement plans, if they serve the public

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Bill Summary · HD 1107

Summary: HD 1107 – An Act Relative to Replacement Plans

Overview

HD 1107, titled “An Act relative to replacement plans,” is a proposed Massachusetts bill introduced in the 2025-2026 General Court. The bill adds a mechanism by which gas companies or municipal lighting plants can seek approval for alternate gas meter replacement plans from the state Department (the Department of Public Utilities). The goal is to provide flexibility in how gas meter replacement is planned and approved, while ensuring compatibility with the public interest.

  • Related filing: The petition and accompanying bill were filed as House Docket No. 1107 (House No. 3517) with the sponsor Rep. John J. Lawn, Jr. of Watertown. The text notes a similar matter previously filed in the 2023-2024 session (House No. 3185).

  • Status: Classified as a proposed bill for the 2025-2026 session. Status details (e.g., committee referrals, votes) are not provided in the text.

  • Effective reference: The bill would amend Section 115A of Chapter 164 of the General Laws, as currently appearing.

What the bill would do (Key Provisions)

  • Amend Section 115A of Chapter 164 by adding language after the phrase “in accordance with law.”
  • Create a formal process by which a gas company or a municipal lighting plant may petition the Department for approval of an alternate gas meter replacement plan.
  • Authorize the Department to approve such an alternate gas meter replacement plan, provided the plan is determined to be consistent with the public interest.

In short: the bill formalizes an option for alternative meter replacement plans, subject to regulatory approval and public-interest standard.

Who is Affected

  • Gas companies operating in Massachusetts.
  • Municipal lighting plants (municipal utilities that provide gas service).
  • The Massachusetts Department (Department of Public Utilities), which would review and determine whether an alternate plan is consistent with the public interest.
  • Potentially ratepayers and municipalities, insofar as replacement plan design and timing may impact costs, reliability, and service.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction/Filed: January 14, 2025 (House Docket No. 1107; House No. 3517).
  • Session context: Appears in the 2025-2026 General Court; status is listed as a proposed bill.
  • Process: As with typical Massachusetts legislation, passage would require committee consideration, passage by both the House and Senate, and signature by the Governor (or overcoming a veto) for enactment.
  • Cross-reference: Similar matter previously filed as House No. 3185 in the 2023-2024 session.

Potential Impacts and Implications

  • Regulatory flexibility: Creates an avenue for alternative meter replacement strategies, which could lead to cost savings, faster deployment, or more customized plans for different utilities.
  • Public interest standard: Any approved alternate plan must be found to be consistent with the public interest, preserving consumer protections and system reliability.
  • Implementation considerations: Utilities would need to prepare formal petitions and demonstrate alignment with public-interest criteria; the Department would determine approval on a case-by-case basis.

Notes

  • The bill text centers on a targeted amendment to a specific section of Chapter 164 and does not detail the operational characteristics of replacement plans themselves.

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

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