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The Department is conducting a virtual public hearing on May 14, 2026 at 2:00-3:00 p.m. to receive comments on an advanced metering infrastructure data access protocol implementation plan (“AMI data access plan”) and related proposals submitted by Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil (“electric companies”).

See: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83412529912#success.

As background the electric companies submitted these proposals in compliance with sections 79, 127, and 128 of the 2024 Climate Act. The Department docketed the plan filings as DPU 26-20 for Eversource, DPU 26-21 for National Grid, and DPU 26-22 for Unitil. The Department has combined the three dockets into one for the proceeding and consolidated its investigation.

In this consolidated proceeding, the electric company filings address the following key topics:

1. three-phase implementation of AMI customer usage data access and the centralized AMI data repository;
2. data sharing timing and formats;
3. third-party eligibility requirements to access customer-specific and bulk AMI data;
4. customer opt-outs, outreach, and education on AMI data sharing by the electric companies to third-parties;
5. estimated costs for implementation of the centralized data repository;
6. proposed cost recovery from third-parties and customers for the centralized data repository; and
7. accelerated switching.

This list is not exhaustive.  Additional details can be found in the Notice linked below and in each company’s filing.  To access the filings in the Department’s online file room, type in the docket number such as “26-20”, “26-21”, or “26-22”.

The public hearing will take place on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. For audio-only access to the hearings, attendees can dial-in at 309-205-3325 (not toll free) and then enter Meeting ID# 834 1252 9912.

Any person interested in commenting on this matter may submit written comments no later than the close of business (5:00 p.m.) on Thursday, May 29, 2026. Written comments may be sent by email to dpu.efiling@mass.gov, and kerri.phillips@mass.gov.

Additional Resources:

Open file, DPU File Room

Open file, 2024 Climate Act

Open file, M.G.L. c. 164, section 116C

Open file, Background on 2022 Approved AMI Plans

Open PDF file, 461.27 KB, DPU 26-20/21/22 Notice