Requires electric companies to provide alternative measures to ensure customers with documented need for essential electricity for medical needs have access to electricity during power outages; requires electric companies to provide generators or lodging for such individuals and transportation for medical devices.
Summary
Bill A02599 amends the public service law and public authorities law in New York to require electric companies to provide alternative measures for customers who have documented medical needs for essential electricity during power outages. This includes the provision of electric generators, lodging, and transportation for medical devices to ensure that these individuals can maintain their health and well-being when power is unavailable. The bill emphasizes the need for outreach plans to identify such customers and ensure they receive necessary support during emergencies.
Impact
The bill will significantly impact the operations of electric companies in New York by mandating them to develop and implement outreach plans specifically targeting customers with medical needs. This will require electric companies to allocate resources for emergency response plans that include provisions for alternative measures during outages. Additionally, the bill stipulates that any costs incurred by electric companies in providing these measures will not be passed on to ratepayers, potentially altering the financial dynamics of service provision in the state.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill A02599 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among advocates for individuals with medical needs who rely on electricity for life-sustaining equipment. However, there may be concerns from electric companies regarding the feasibility and financial implications of implementing the required measures, as they are mandated to absorb the costs without passing them on to customers.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the financial burden on electric companies to provide the required alternative measures without passing costs to ratepayers. Some stakeholders may argue that this could lead to increased operational challenges for these companies, while advocates for patients with medical needs emphasize the importance of ensuring their safety and health during power outages. The balance between customer protection and the operational capabilities of electric companies is likely to be a key debate point.
Same As
Requires electric companies to provide alternative measures to ensure customers with documented need for essential electricity for medical needs have access to electricity during power outages; requires electric companies to provide generators or lodging for such individuals and transportation for medical devices.
Requires electric companies to provide alternative measures to ensure customers with documented need for essential electricity for medical needs have access to electricity during power outages; requires electric companies to provide generators or lodging for such individuals and transportation for medical devices.
Requires electric companies to provide alternative measures to ensure customers with documented need for essential electricity for medical needs have access to electricity during power outages; requires electric companies to provide generators or lodging for such individuals and transportation for medical devices.
An Act Concerning the Restoration of Electricity During Emergencies for Certain Medically Vulnerable Individuals Who Rely on Electronic Medical Apparatuses
Provides that each electric corporation shall establish a unique priority phone number that shall remain in operation every day of the year for customers who have documented their need for essential electricity for medical needs; makes related provisions.
Provides that each electric corporation shall establish a unique priority phone number that shall remain in operation every day of the year for customers who have documented their need for essential electricity for medical needs; makes related provisions.
Provides that each electric corporation shall establish a unique priority phone number that shall remain in operation every day of the year for customers who have documented their need for essential electricity for medical needs; makes related provisions.
Providing for licensure of electrical contractors, electricians, residential electricians, apprentice electricians and probationary electricians; establishing the State Board of Electrical Licensure; providing for powers and duties of the board; establishing fees, fines and penalties; and making an appropriation.