NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. (AP) – Massachusetts is asking residents and businesses in three communities hit by a string of natural gas explosions and fires in September 2018 how to spend some of the money raised on a settlement with the utility responsible for the disaster.
Information from the online survey will help state officials develop and implement energy efficiency programs in Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover, The Eagle-Tribune reported Monday.
“We want the residents to drive this bus as often as possible. The decisions will be ingrained in community priorities, ”said Elizabeth Mahony, assistant attorney general in the energy division of Attorney General Maura Healey.
As a result of the explosions, attributed to pressurized gas pipes, one person died, nearly two dozen were injured and more than 130 properties were damaged.
Columbia Gas, the natural gas utility at the time of the disaster, has reached a $ 56 million agreement with the state. Some of the money was earmarked for debt relief for gas bills for low-income customers, while another part was used for clean energy and energy efficiency.
Open to Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover residents only, the survey is anonymous and available in English and Spanish.