Attorney general Eliot Spitzer has announced Orange and Rockland Utilities (O&R) has agreed to enhance protections for utility customers who depend on respirators, dialysis machines and other life-sustaining medical equipment at home. O&R provides electrical services to approximately 215,000 customers in Rockland, Orange and Sullivan Counties. The enhancements to the company’s Life Support Equipment Program (LSEP) for customers with certain medical needs stems from discussions initiated by the Office of the Attorney General earlier this year. "O&R is implementing changes that will enable it to more easily identify households in which someone relies on electrically-operated life-sustaining medical equipment, " Spitzer said. "With this information, O&R can help these persons plan for potential power emergencies and assist them if there is an extended loss of power." According to NYS law, all electrical utilities must compile lists of customers whose households use life-sustaining equipment. In addition, the law requires the utilities to establish procedures for contacting such households within 24 hours during an extended power failure. The company has taken the following steps to enhance its outreach: |
