Effort seeks to cap Worcester's 841 gas leaks costing consumers $3M yearly
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Currently consumers are charged not only for the gas they use but also the gas that escapes during transmission.
A new resolution has been passed in support of legislation that could push 841 Worcester gas leaks that cost consumers about $3 million a year to be fixed.
The resolution filed by State Rep. Mary Keefe and voted on by the Worcester City Council Tuesday supports two pieces of legislation that would prevent energy providers from passing on the cost of unaccounted for gas (UFG) to the consumer while also requiring that gas leaks be repaired whenever a road is opened up for any reason.
“The cost of the lost gas is paid by all of us as rate payers. I think it is far past time that we take action on this, as no consumer should be paying for gas that is not only wasted, but causes health hazards in their community and contributes to climate change,” Rep. Keefe said in a statement.
According to the release, Worcester has 841 unrepaired gas leaks. The oldest leak is 11 years old. Under current law, utility companies can include lost gas in the calculation of their rates and it is estimated that Worcester and its residents pay $3,027,600 for UFG.
The resolution was unanimously sent to the Worcester Public Works Committee.
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