Raimondo, State Lawmakers Push For National Grid Accountability

NEWPORT, RI — After a natural gas shortage left Aquidneck Island residents out in the cold for a week, the state's top officials are calling for more accountability from National Grid. Governor Gina Raimondo is urging state lawmakers to pass a law that would give the state the power to fine the utility company if it doesn't meet the standard.

"Earlier this year, this community was shaken by an unexpected gas outage during one of the coldest weeks of the year," Gov. Raimondo said. "While we cannot always anticipate an emergency situation, we must ensure our utilities are adequately prepared, and we must have the ability to hold them accountable. This bill holds National Grid to the same standards as our neighboring states and gives us the tools to enforce strong protections for Rhode Islanders in the event of an emergency."

If the bill is passed, National Grid would be required to create an emergency preparedness plan each year to avoid future incidents like January's. The sttae will also have the right to fine the company if it is found to not meet standards, with fines required to be paid by shareholders. THis ensures fines will not be paid by increased costs to ratepayers.

Raimondo and other state officials gathered in Newport Friday to offer their support for the legislation. An investigation is underway into January's outage by the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers, who will release a report when it is complete.

"Extended power outages are a public safety issue and an economic issue that we must begin to address proactively here in Rhode Island," said Lt. Governor McKee. "The Utility Service Restoration Act gives us the tools to hold utility companies to reasonable preparedness and response standards that several nearby states are already using to prevent outages and protect residents."

The outage started on Martin Luther King, Jr. day, when more than 7,000 natural gas customers were left without heat. To restore service safely, technicians had to go to each house individually and shut off gas manually. Once complete, the system was re-pressurized and technicians once again went from house to house, this time re-lighting pilots and restoring service. With temperatures in the single-digits for days on end, residents were forced out of their homes, with National Grid offering reimbursement for local hotels and food costs.

"I am pleased that this legislation is being put forward and I hope that it leads to utility companies being held accountable after incidents like what happened in Newport," said Newport Mayor Jamie Bova. "We had thousands of residents without heat in the dead of winter and it is imperative that we as a state do everything we can to prevent similar incidents."

The bill is sponsored by Brian Patrick Kennedy in the House of Representatives (D-Dist. 38, Hopkinton, Westerly) and Roger Picard (D-Dist. 20, Woonsocket, Cumberland) in the Senate.

"When emergency utility service is required, customers should have a reasonable expectation of prompt and adequate service," Rep. Kennedy said. "These emergency response plans will also increase safety, particularly as it pertains to natural gas providers. Also, as technology evolves and our reliance upon it expands, the need for quick response from utility companies increases as well. This legislation is already law in Massachusetts and New York, and asks nothing further of National Grid than what it’s doing in those states already."

READ MORE:

• National Grid Reports $360k In Refunds Since Newport Gas Outage
  
• Lawmakers Call For Newport Gas Outage Study
  
• Gas Outage Caused Revenue Loss, Food Spoilage At Local Restaurant
• Gas Outage Update: More Than 99 Percent Restored
• National Grid: Gas Restoration Will Take Several Days
• Five Ways To Stay Safe During The Newport Gas Emergency
• Governor Declares State of Emergency in Newport For Gas Outage