By Bob Katzen
House 25-128, rejected an amendment to a bill that supporters said would result in over $9 billion in savings for utility ratepayers over the next ten years.
The amendment would provide that if a propane vendor fails to perform timely delivery of propane, as required under a signed agreement, and the failure results in the customer’s propane supply being depleted or critically low, the customer would have the right to sign a new contract with another licensed propane vendor, regardless of whether the tank or equipment is owned or leased by the original vendor.
Amendment sponsor Rep. John Marsi (R-Dudley) said that many people rely on propane for heat and hot water. He noted that a large propane company bought up several smaller ones and then laid people off, resulting in seniors who weren’t able to get their deliveries on time. He said his amendment simply would allow customers to use another vendor to fulfill their propane needs in an emergency situation, if their contract is broken.
Rep. Mark Cusack (D-Braintree) opposed the amendment and said that this is a more complicated issue and that the amendment should be filed as separate bill so the Legislature can hold public hearings on it. He urged members not to rush this amendment through the House.
(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.)
Rep. Christine Barber No Rep. Mike Connolly No Rep. Paul Donato No Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven No