An Act analyzing the benefits of burying utility wires

This bill establishes a commission to study the potential benefits and costs of burying utility wires underground across Massachusetts. The commission will compare the expenses of undergrounding power and internet lines in various regions against the societal costs of keeping them above ground, such as risks from natural disasters and power outages. The study will estimate costs over 10, 25, and 50-year periods and assign financial responsibilities to the state, municipalities, and other entities. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Public Utilities to create a ranking system for utility companies to prioritize which lines should be buried first.