DPU Investigating NStar Irene Response

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities in looking into the responses of local utilities, including NStar, which serves Holliston, to . 

In Holliston, fallen tree limbs left thousands without power in the wake of the storm and hundreds remained in the dark for almost a full week after the storm made landfall on Sunday, Aug. 28. 

The DPU's inquiry, which will include local public hearings, is focused on determining whether NStar and fellow investor-owned utility National Grid, followed DPU regulations and "fully implemented their emergency response plans," which were filed earlier this year, the agency said.  

The investigation will focus on how well NStar and National Grid prepared for and managed restoration efforts, allocated company resources, communicated with officials and disseminated timely information, as well as identify areas for future improvement. 

The DPU said both utilities were due to file post-storm reports on their responses with the agency by Oct. 3.

The closest NStar hearing to Holliston will be held in Framingham, at the Walsh Middle School on Brook St., on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. 

Customers are urged to attend the hearing or to provide written comments about storm response to:  Mark D. Marini, Secretary, Department of Public Utilities, One South Station, Boston, MA 02110. 

Locally, NStar's response and its communication with local officials were widely criticized. One area of particular concern was a felled pole and wires on Marked Tree Road, which remained in the roadway four days after the storm passed.