The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities has ordered major changes to the state’s program for addressing pipe leaks, aiming to better align the program with its long-term decarbonization strategy.

Business groups and environmental advocates expressed divergent views on a proposal by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities that would require new gas customers to cover the entire cost of connecting to the system.

State energy officials emphasized the need for increased oversight for transmission investments at Raab Associates’ New England Electricity Restructuring Roundtable.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities approved a settlement agreement for the New England Clean Energy Connect transmission line, authorizing a significant cost increase to account for regulatory delays to the project.

The adoption of simple near-term rate reforms could help Massachusetts achieve its electrification goals while minimizing effects on ratepayers, an interagency working group concluded.

After negotiations extending well past the end of the formal legislative session, Massachusetts lawmakers are nearing passage of a wide-ranging climate and energy bill.

In a reflection of broader disagreements across the New England energy landscape, speakers at a Northeast energy conference presented divergent visions of the future role of natural gas.

Increasing electricity prices must be met with a greater effort to reduce peak loads and protect low- and moderate-income ratepayers, several Northeast utility regulators said at Raab Associates’ New England Electricity Restructuring Roundtable.