Language access services available at the DPU
- For significant proceedings (e.g., base distribution rate cases, zoning exemptions, statewide investigations), vital documents will be translated and interpretation provided at public hearings in languages regularly encountered in the applicable service area. Additional translation and interpretation for significant proceedings will be available on request. For routine proceedings, translation and interpretation will be available upon request. These services will be at no direct cost to individuals requesting the service.
- The Department regularly translates and posts vital documents like notices related to significant proceedings and policy documents on its website. Members of the public who need document(s) translated in languages not already provided can place a request using this form. Documents must be relevant to a Department proceeding/event or a Division’s work.
- Interpretation is available at public hearings for significant proceedings and interpretation in additional languages is available upon request. The Department has a vendor that provides over-the-phone interpretation to staff in 200 languages to assist members of the public who call into the Department. Video remote interpretation is also available for appeal hearings and is used by staff across Divisions to assist members of the public. In some cases, staff may need to arrange for a call back in coordination with the interpreter. Members of the public who need interpretation can place a request using this form.
- The Department maintains assisted listening and interpretation equipment for hearings and other public facing events. The Department is in the process of developing a list of technical and legal terms commonly used in Department matters and will share the list with translators and interpreters.
- The Consumer Division’s automated telephone system allows consumers to opt for Spanish language recordings and/or Spanish speaking staff. Please press 2 when calling the Consumer Division line at 617-737-2836 to reach a staff member that speaks Spanish. The Consumer Division also has Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole speaking staff available to answer the toll-free line.
- The Department’s website can be translated into multiple languages using the translate function (globe icon on the tool bar) and choosing a language from the dropdown menu.
- The Department’s social media platforms is being used to increase messaging to populations with limited English proficiency.
- All notices of filing will include information in the top ten languages in Massachusetts on how to request interpretation and/or translation.
- Screen readers and alternative text for those who are blind or low vision are available upon request. American Sign Language (ASL) or Communication Access Real-Time Translation (CART) services are available for those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing upon request. For ADA/DEI-related requests (related to screen readers, alternative text, ASL, or CART services), please contact the Department’s ADA Coordinator, Melixza Esenyie, eeadiversity@mass.gov, 617-626-1282.
Request Translation and/or Interpretation
To request translation of documents or interpretation services fill out the relevant form below. Translation and interpretation will be provided at no cost to the individual requesting language access.
Share Your Feedback
Please use the form below to provide feedback on the quality of the interpretation and/or translation provided by the Department. We welcome any additional suggestions you may have for how the Department can improve language access.
Questions or Concerns
For questions or concerns related to language access services, reach out to DPU Language Access Coordinator, Veena Dharmaraj at veena.dharmaraj@mass.gov or (617) 305-3779.