Court invalidates Department of Public Utilities order allowing electric distribution companies to purchase natural gas pipeline capacity using ratepayer funds.
Contractor violated dig safe law by providing inaccurate excavation notice and failing to use reasonable precautions, causing gas line strike and explosion. Four separate violations affirmed.
Electric utilities challenged storm-response penalties. The court held the DPU correctly applied a reasonableness standard rather than industry-based prudence, vacated penalties unsupported by substantial evidence on specific days, and affirmed the remainder.
Department of Public Utilities lacked jurisdiction to issue municipal street license for amphibious sightseeing vehicles; Boston police commissioner has exclusive authority under special statute.
Supreme Judicial Court affirmed that assessments for storm preparedness investigations do not constitute an unconstitutional taking when companies cannot pass costs to consumers, provided the department ensures adequate rates of return.
