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In the wake of recent power outages affecting thousands of residents across Massachusetts, public utility regulation in the state has come under scrutiny. The outages, which occurred on the evening of October 27th and lasted well into the following day, left many without electricity or heating during unseasonably cold weather.The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has launched an investigation into the cause of the outages, with initial reports pointing to a combination of severe weather conditions and inadequate maintenance of aging infrastructure. Residents in affected areas reported widespread flickering lights, power surges, and ultimately complete blackouts during the outage.In response to the outcry from residents and lawmakers, Governor Charlie Baker has called for a review of the state's public utility regulations to ensure that companies are held accountable for maintaining reliable service. "The recent outages are unacceptable, and we need to take a hard look at what can be done to prevent this from happening again," Baker stated in a press conference on Friday.Public Utility Commissioner John Sullivan echoed the Governor's sentiments, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of regulations and increased investment in infrastructure. "Our priority is to ensure that all residents have access to safe and reliable electricity, and we will be working closely with utility companies to address any deficiencies in their systems," Sullivan said.Despite the challenges facing the state's public utility system, some industry experts are optimistic about the potential for improvements in the near future. "Massachusetts has a strong regulatory framework in place, and with the right investments and oversight, we can prevent these types of outages from occurring regularly," said energy analyst Sarah Miller.As the investigation into the recent outages continues, residents are hopeful that the state will take swift action to address any shortcomings in the public utility system. In the meantime, Governor Baker has urged residents to report any ongoing issues with their electricity service to the DPU for further investigation.