Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), Senate Chair of the Energy and Technology Committee, led the passage of a bill that will provide the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority with additional authority over certain gas transportation entities such as propane and municipal gas distribution systems. It also allows for PURA to stop work on a project covered by “Call Before You Dig” if there is an immediate life-threatening hazard resulting from willful violation of the law.
“PURA plays an important role in the oversight and quality assurance of state utility and electric supplier services,” said Sen. Needleman. “By expanding those roles to include gas distribution systems, we can ensure that Connecticut energy systems have proper oversight to better ensure the safety and security of both workers and the public. That includes the adjustments to the ‘Call Before You Dig’ law, the change of which will allow for better protection of the public.”
Senate Bill 94, “An Act Concerning Certain Modifications To Gas Pipeline Processes,” will allow PURA access to certain gas transportation entities’ facilities, allows it the ability to investigate these entities, allows it to order improvements or repairs, requires notification of PURA about certain accidents and allows PURA to impose certain penalties. It further ensures PURA commissioners can stop work on a project covered by “Call Before You Dig” if there’s an immediate life-threatening hazard resulting from willful violation of the law.
Current law allows PURA to access a public utility or retail electric supplier’s premises and buildings; this bill expands that access, and other roles including investigation, ordering site improvements for adequacy, suitability and safety, accident reporting and enforcement to include gas “plants.”