BREAKING: Massachusetts has just been awarded a perfect score in pipeline safety for the third consecutive year, according to the Department of Public Utilities (DPU). This accolade from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) underscores the state’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards for its natural gas infrastructure.
In a statement released earlier today, DPU Chair Jeremy McDiarmid emphasized the department’s relentless dedication to oversight, saying, “The Pipeline Safety Division is one hundred percent committed to vigilant oversight of the gas utilities and the safety of our state’s natural gas system.” This achievement reflects not only the state’s stringent adherence to safety protocols but also a substantial staffing increase—over 300 percent—which now includes three attorneys and a total of 20 engineers.
The perfect score comes amid growing national concerns regarding aging infrastructure and its reliability. Commissioner Liz Anderson expressed her satisfaction with the federal recognition, stating, “It is reassuring to know that federal regulators approve of the measures we have put in place to ensure the safety of the state’s gas infrastructure to protect our residents.”
The DPU is actively addressing safety and affordability, as highlighted by Commissioner Staci Rubin, who noted the department’s 2025 orders aimed at establishing lower caps on Gas System Enhancement Plan (GSEP) spending. This initiative aims to balance the need for a safe, well-maintained gas system with the necessity of controlling costs for consumers.
Under the leadership of Director Richard Enright, the Pipeline Safety Division has seen a cultural shift in safety practices within the gas operations industry. Since his appointment in September 2019, the division has consistently scored maximum points in PHMSA evaluations, indicating a robust regulatory partnership and effective oversight.
The DPU’s comprehensive approach includes the implementation of the Damage Prevention Program, which focuses on reducing damages through enforcement, increased field presence, and educational efforts. The DPU collaborates with Dig Safe, Inc. to promote safe digging practices throughout New England, further enhancing public safety.
As Massachusetts continues to prioritize pipeline safety, residents can feel assured that their government is taking proactive measures to protect them. The DPU remains committed to its mission, stating, “We will continue our efforts, working hard every day to ensure the safety of gas operators, workers, and the public.”
Stay tuned for more updates as Massachusetts leads the way in pipeline safety, setting a benchmark for other states to follow.
