Stakeholder Roundtable
On August 25, 2022, the Department of Public Utilities (“Department”) and Energy Facilities Siting Board (“Siting Board”) conducted a joint stakeholder roundtable (“roundtable”) to gather input on improving public and stakeholder involvement in our proceedings. The roundtable addressed the following three topics:
- Improved communication with customers, community-based organizations, and local government officials to maximize public engagement in our proceedings.
- Whether all notices for agency proceedings should receive the same level of publication and outreach, or whether there should be some prioritization or variation in approach to avoid overwhelming or desensitizing readers with frequent notices. If there should be variation, discuss the types of proceedings that warrant additional publication and outreach efforts.
- The most effective methods that Distribution Companies use currently to reach customers.
The roundtable was also live-streamed and recorded for future viewing at the Department’s YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQHDEMh-qzw. We invite any interested person to provide written comments on the above‑noted matters.
A copy of the full memo can be accessed at the following links: English | Cape Verdean Creole | Chinese | Haitian Creole | Portuguese | Spanish | Vietnamese.
Additional Written Comments
All written comments should be filed with the Department no later than Friday, September 16, 2022. All comments must be submitted to the Department by email attachment to dpu.efiling@mass.gov, laurie.e.weisman@mass.gov, scott.seigal@mass.gov, and donna.sharkey@mass.gov. The text of the email must specify: (1) the docket number of the proceeding (D.P.U. 21‑50); (2) the name and contact information of the person or company submitting the filing; and (3) a brief descriptive title of the document. The electronic file name should identify the document but should not exceed 50 characters in length. Importantly, all large files submitted must be broken down into electronic files that do not exceed 20 MB. Written comments will be posted on the Department’s website through our online file room at https://eeaonline.eea.state.ma.us/DPU/Fileroom/dockets/bynumber/21-50 and https://eeaonline.eea.state.ma.us/DPU/Fileroom/dockets/bynumber/EFSB21-01.
A copy of the full memo can be accessed at the following links: English | Cape Verdean Creole | Chinese | Haitian Creole | Portuguese | Spanish | Vietnamese.
Vote to Open Inquiry
On June 30, 2021, the Energy Facilities Siting Board (“Siting Board”) voted to open an inquiry to examine procedural enhancements to increase public awareness of and participation in its proceedings. Specifically, the Siting Board will explore avenues to increase both the visibility of its public notices and promote equitable and meaningful public and stakeholder involvement throughout its proceedings. The Siting Board has docketed this Notice of Inquiry as EFSB 21‑01.
Recordings of the vote can be found at the following links in multiple languages: English | Spanish | Mandarin Chinese | Vietnamese
Through this proceeding, the Siting Board seeks input from Siting Board stakeholders, public officials, and members of the public on best practices for promoting public involvement in Siting Board proceedings. The Siting Board is also exploring opportunities to increase stakeholder engagement and ensure that all people —regardless of English proficiency— have received the same opportunity to participate in our proceedings.
Public Comment Period
Upon opening the inquiry on June 30, 2021, the Siting Board invited interested persons and entities to participate in the proceeding. The Siting Board welcomed written comments on any or all of the questions in the Notice of Inquiry. That public comment period ended on September 10, 2021.
Request for Comments | Notificación | Aviso
Procedural Order | Orden de procedimiento | Ordem Processual
Comments Received
The Siting Board received timely written comments. All documents related filed in relation to a proceeding are posted to the DPU Fileroom. The Fileroom page for a proceeding represents the official record for that proceeding. All written comments are available in the Fileroom page for this proceeding at the following link:
- EFSB 22-01 Docket Fileroom (under Document Type: Comments)
Important Dates
This webpage will be updated regularly to reflect up-to-date information for this proceeding.
June 30, 2021: EFSB Votes to Open Notice of Inquiry
September 30, 2021: Public Comment Period Ends
August 25, 2022: EFSB/DPU Joint Roundtable
September 16, 2022: Deadline for Roundtable Written Comments
Language Services/Accommodations
The EFSB has standardized procedures for requesting special accommodations in a proceeding. Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. Include a complete description of the accommodation you will need and a way we can contact you if we need more information. Please provide as much advance notice as possible. Last minute requests will be accepted, but we may be unable to fulfill the request. Please send your requests to: Melixza G. Esenyie, ADA and Diversity Manager at the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs at Melixza.Esenyie2@mass.gov or call 617-626-1282.
Interpretation services for those with limited English language proficiency are available upon request. Include in your request the language required, and a way to contact you if the Presiding Officer needs more information. Please provide as much advance notice as possible. Last minute requests may not be able to be accommodated. Contact the Presiding Officer (contact information below).
Contact Information
Any person desiring further information regarding this proceeding may contact the Presiding Officer, Donna Sharkey by writing to donna.sharkey@mass.gov.
Useful Information
Please click on the links below to enhance your understanding of the EFSB process.
Energy facility siting laws and regulations listing
Energy Facilities Siting Board Handbook (updated 2019) | Guía para fijar la ubicación de instalaciones energéticas (2019)
Commonwealth Environmental Justice Webpage