Public Hearing Slated in Attleboro on National Grid's Response to Irene

The Massachusetts Dept. of Public Utilities has rescheduled its public hearing on the performance of the power companies following Tropical Storm Irene. 

The hearing, which was to be held in November, was cancelled because of power outages from the October Nor'easter.  It has been rescheduled to Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. at the . Along with comments or complaints about Tropical Storm Irene, the DPU will also accept comments about the October snow storm.

The hearing comes after Sen. Richard Ross, representatives from National Grid and local officials met at to discuss between the electric company and municipal officials during Irene.

In addition, the DPU has extended the public comment period to Thursday, Dec. 8, at 5 p.m. People must file their original written comment with Secretary Mark Marini and three additional copies with Hearing Officer Jennifer Murphy, by sending them to the Department of Public Utilities, One South Station, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02110. Documents must also be submitted in electronic format to DPU by CD-ROM or email to dpu.efiling@state.ma.us and Jennifer.M.Murphy@state.ma.us. Constintuents are asked to include their name and contact information, the proceeding’s docket number (D.P.U. 11-85-A), and a brief descriptive title.

Sen. Richard Ross (R-Wrentham) encourages all of his interested constituents to attend.

 “I am pleased that DPU has provided an additional opportunity for the residents of my district to share their concerns regarding the power companies’ performance,” Ross said in a prepared statement. “Given the fact that the original hearing was cancelled due to power outages following a storm, it is more important than ever that DPU understand the issues faced by the communities. These issues must be dealt with before the next storm hits the Commonwealth.”