Rhode Island

Massachusetts Fines National Grid $750,000 for ‘Inadequate' Response to 2017 Wind Storm

The October 2017 storm left about 300,000 homes and businesses without electricity

Massachusetts has penalized National Grid $750,000 for what the state calls the utility's inadequate preparation and response to a destructive 2017 wind storm.

The state Department of Public Utilities said it issued the fine based on the findings of an agency investigation that concluded National Grid did not properly classify the storm and diminished the amount of resources available to customers in 166 communities.

The October 2017 storm left about 300,000 homes and businesses without electricity.

National Grid has 30 days to submit a plan to the agency outlining how it will distribute the penalty to customers.

National Grid says it will review the agency's recommendation and will update its storm response procedures.

The penalty comes as the utility works to restore gas to 7,100 Rhode Island customers.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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