Massachusetts General Laws Part I. Administration of the Government (Ch. 1-182) Ch. 164, § 86

In a town where a gas company exists in active operation, or where a person owns or operates works for the manufacture and sale of gas, no other gas company, nor any other person, shall dig up and open the streets, lanes and highways of such town in order to lay gas pipes therein, without the consent of the aldermen or selectmen, granted after notice by publication or otherwise to all parties interested and a public hearing.