View this article online: https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/east/2021/03/22/606405.htm
Massachusetts is asking residents and businesses in three communities affected by a series of natural gas explosions and fires in September 2018 how to spend some of the money from a settlement with the utility found responsible for the disaster.
Information gleaned from the online survey will help state officials develop and implement energy efficiency programs in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover, The Eagle-Tribune reported Monday.
“We want the residents to drive this bus as much as we can. The decisions will be rooted in the priorities of the communities,” said Elizabeth Mahony, assistant attorney general in the energy division for Attorney General Maura Healey.
As a result of the explosions blamed on overpressurized gas lines, one person died, nearly two dozen were injured and more than 130 properties were damaged.
Columbia Gas, the natural gas provider at the time of the disaster, reached a $56 million agreement with the state. Some of the money was earmarked for debt relief for the gas bills of low-income customers, while some went to clean energy and energy efficiency efforts.
The survey is open only to residents of Lawrence, Andover and North Andover, is anonymous and is available in English and Spanish.