Massachusetts just scored top marks for the third year in a row in pipeline safety, according to the Commonwealth's Department of Public Utilities (DPU). The perfect score, given by the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), acknowledges the state's adherence to stringent pipeline safety standards and showcases the efforts by the DPU's Pipeline Safety Division.
Chair Jeremy McDiarmid commented on the department's commitment, "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." He also added that the perfect scores reflect the Division's increased staffing and focus on core safety operations, which they have managed under its current leadership to achieve solid results. However, the Division "will continue its efforts, working hard every day to ensure the safety of gas operators, workers, and the public," as detailed in a statement obtained from the Massachusetts government website.
Commissioner Liz Anderson highlighted the exemplary status of the state's pipeline safety program, saying, "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," as noted by the Massachusetts official website. This recognition comes at a time when safety in utilities remains a high priority amidst concerns nationwide over infrastructure aging and reliability.
"Safety and affordability are at the forefront of the DPU’s mission," noted Commissioner Staci Rubin, praising the work of the Pipeline Safety Division and pointing out the Department's 2025 orders to establish lower caps on GSEP spending. This will ensure that while the state’s existing gas system is well-maintained and safe for customers, costs are kept under control, as per the Massachusetts news release. Through increased staffing—over 300 percent, now including three attorneys and a total of 20 engineers—the Pipeline Safety Division has worked to ensure compliance with both state and federal laws.
Director Richard Enright, a veteran in the gas operations industry, has been at the helm of the division since September 2019. Under his guidance, the state has seen a shift in the industry’s safety culture, borne out by these high scores from PHMSA. The federal agency is responsible for assessing state pipeline safety programs through extensive reviews that inspect on-site evaluations performed by state safety regulators. Massachusetts has managed to score maximum points since 2022 in these evaluations, suggesting a strong regulatory partnership and effective oversight.
The DPU’s efforts, particularly with the Damage Prevention Program, include a focus on reducing damages through enforcement, field presence, and education as well as collaborating with Dig Safe, Inc. to promote safe digging practices across New England. These measures, along with legislative changes that hike penalties for violations and the implementation of new pipeline and damage prevention databases, contribute to the Division's success and to the safety of Massachusetts' residents.
