New Bill Addresses Utility Emergency Response [POLL]

Many Massachusetts residents spent days in the dark last year after two unusual weather events -- Tropical Storm Irene and an October snowstorm -- wiped out power to hundreds of thousands of homes.

Each time, residents joined local and state officials in expressing their disappointment and anger at utility companies who seemed uncommunicative and slow when it came to restoring services.

Now, the Massachusetts Senate is taking steps to change the way utility companies respond during emergencies.

According to a press release from the Office of Sen. Richard Ross (R-Wrentham), a bill passed by the Senate on Thursday would require public utility companies to do the following:

- After a 24-hour assessment period, "provide twice-daily estimates to customers on when electricity will be restored."

- Set up a call center in Massachusetts during a major storm that is sufficiently staffed to handle increased calls.

- Report storm outages to the state.

- Designate a community liaison in each community when the emergency response plan is implemented, and "designate staff at the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency to help coordinate statewide response."

- Credit to customers any penalties assessed for violation of emergency preparation and response.

- Pay an assessment charge to the Department of Public Utilities to help fund storm investigations. This fee cannot be passed to customers.

Lastly, the bill "extends the possibility of receivership to all utilities in the case of gross negligence," according the press release.

The bill now goes to the House of Representatives.

What do you think of the bill? Does it go far enough to protect you during the next emergency? Take our poll and tell us in the comments.