An Act to ensure notice to abutter communities of applications to the department of public utilities

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Sally Kerans

Requires DPU to notify host and surrounding communities within 60 days of an application, and ensures public hearings with clear participation details.

Reporting date extended to Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Overview

H 3513 proposes adding a new provision to Chapter 25 of the General Laws to require the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to provide advance notice to host communities and neighboring abutter communities when an entity files for a permit or approval for a project. The goal is to enhance public participation and transparency in utility permit processes.

Key Provisions

New Section 24 added to Chapter 25.

(a) Within 30 days of filing an application, the applicant must notify:

The host city or town (where the project is located) and all abutting cities and towns.
Notification methods include email to the mayor and city council of the host and abutting communities, and to the select board and town administrator or town manager of the host and abutting communities.
The notice subject line should read: “Proposed Project Siting.”

(b) Within 60 days of receipt of the application, the DPU must send written notice to:

The mayor or town administrator or town manager, and the city council or select board of the host and abutting communities.
State representatives and state senators representing those communities.
The notice must include: applicant name, address, contact information; statement of the public’s right to testify; and instructions for participating in the public hearing (including date, time, and location).

(c) The applicant must appear at a public hearing convened by the legislative body of the host community or an abutting community to describe the project. If the applicant fails to appear as requested, the legislative body may report this failure, and the Department may grant intervenor status to entities previously excluded from the meeting.

Affected Parties

Applicants seeking permits or approvals from the DPU for proposed projects.

Host communities where the project is located.

Abutting cities and towns adjacent to the project site.

Public officials in host and abutting communities (mayors/town administrators, city councils/select boards, town meeting bodies) and elected state legislators.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introduced: February 27, 2025.

Committee: Referred to the Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy committee.

Hearing: Scheduled for June 12, 2025 (1:00 PM–5:00 PM) in A-2.

Status update: Reporting date extended to Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

Legislative actions noted: Senate concurrence; related matter previously filed as HD 1380 in 2023-2024 sessions.

Potential Impact

Increases transparency by ensuring host and neighboring communities are formally informed early in the permit process.

Establishes clear timelines for notice (30-day applicant notice; 60-day DPU notice) and required contents.

Strengthens public participation by detailing how to testify and participate in hearings.

Creates procedural leverage for host/abutting communities and could influence public hearing dynamics through potential intervenor status if an applicant misses a hearing.

Related Information

Related bill: HD 1380 (2013-2024 session) and the current bill is described as replacing that matter.

The bill would amend Chapter 25 by adding Section 24, establishing statutory notice requirements for DPU applications.

This summary provides an accessible, fact-focused outline of H 3513’s purpose, provisions, and potential effects for interested readers.

Bill