On October 7, 2020, the Department of Public Utilities approved a settlement agreement where Columbia Gas of Massachusetts had to payout $56 million for the Merrimack Valley explosions. Further requirements for the settlement were that Columbia Gas had to leave the state of Massachusetts and transfer all assets to competitor Eversource Energy.
The funds from this settlement were earmarked to help with debt relief to 26,000 low-income gas customers and provide funding to clean energy and energy efficiency measures in older homes and buildings in the affected areas. Monies recovered wiped out about $15 million in accumulated gas bill debt for low-income residents. Furthermore, the settlement was a means to hold Columbia Gas accountable for its gross negligence.