"N.H. reviews utilities’ power shutoff policies" by Associated Press | August 2, 2010
CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire regulators say protections against shutting off electricity to customers with medical conditions are similar to safeguards offered in other states — and in some cases greater.
The New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission reviewed requirements and practices regarding disconnections for “medical protection’’ accounts at the request of Governor John Lynch, following the death of a Salem woman when electricity was cut off at her home in June. The accounts are used by customers who depend on electricity for their health or survival.
Kay Phaneuf, 53, who used powered oxygen equipment, had no medical notice listed with National Grid, although she had in the past. Her husband found her unconscious about an hour after power to their home was cut off. She died three days later.
The review, released Friday, made several proposals, among them standardizing the process for treating customers whose medical certifications lapse....
--more--"Ever notice wars never seem to run out of power?
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