GAS LEAKS
Leaking gas is all over the map.
Gas is leaking from where it is extracted, along the transmission system of pipelines and compressor stations, from the pipes under our streets, and from the appliances and systems in our homes.
The gas distribution system in Massachusetts as in many states, is old—made up primarily of cast iron, wrought iron, steel pipes, and a plastic called aldyl A—that are corroded and cracked. Some of these pipes date from just after the Civil War, but even new plastic pipes can’t reliably contain gas or withstand underground conditions.
Gas companies are aware of the leaks, but for many years were only required to fix the ones that are considered potentially explosive.
The Gas Transition Allies support strategic, effective gas leak repair.
The Gas Transition Allies work closely with researchers, methane experts, technicians, and gas utilities to reduce methane emissions from gas leaks.
We monitor gas leak data and support new approaches to reduce the largest and most hazardous leaks.
We also promote legislative and regulatory changes that hold gas companies accountable for more effective gas leak repair.
Where is gas leaking near you?
HEET, a Gas Transition Ally, maps gas leaks in your neighborhood.
Based on gas utility-reported data, these maps show the locations of gas leaks in your city or town or by utility company. You can zoom in to see where the leaks are near your home, business, school, or playground.
You can also learn more about how gas leaks are classified. While all are bad for the environment, not all are an immediate danger to people or property.
Why do gas leaks matter?
Learn about the impact of gas leaks on your pocketbook, your health, your community, and our climate.
Gas Transition Allies analyzes leak reports annually and finds little change. Source: Gas Leaks Reports (GLR) from the DPU File Room.
Our analysis shows that, despite ongoing repairs and accelerated pipe replacement, there is little overall progress on eliminating gas leaks.
Because of the delay in public sharing of utility-reported gas leak data, our analysis reflects the previous year of information.
What are gas companies doing about the leaks?
Gas companies are required to report both the gas leaks they find and the ones they consider fixed. Some repaired pipes continue to leak, and the repair process itself can lead to new gas leaks nearby.
The Gas Transition Allies monitor utility-reported data and support independent research on gas leaks.
Independent studies consistently find 1.5 to 3 times as many leaks as gas companies report.
Utility data reports that as many new leaks appear each year as they fix.
Some progress is being made to address the largest, most climate-damaging gas leaks—or Grade 3 Significant Environmental Impact (G3 SEI) leaks.
2016: A scientific study found that 7% of gas leaks emit over 50% of the leaked gas.
2017: The Gas Transition Allies successfully advanced legislation requiring gas utilities to fix the largest leaks.
Early data from HEET suggest that utility companies are identifying and fixing the large leaks.
2021: HEET tested whether repaired leaks stay repaired, and found a failure rate of 20%.