In New Hampshire, the big power companies had the regulator in their pockets for a long time. Not any more.
National Grid said this week it followed proper procedures when it shut off the power of a Salem woman who depended on an oxygen machine to breathe. That woman, Kay Phaneuf, died Thursday night. And those procedures that National Grid is so proud of, they may have been watered down after industry lobbying of the state regulators. Now the Governor of New Hampshire is finally forcing the Utilites to act.
Phaneuf’s home had been flagged as one whose power could not be shut off due to medical reasons, but National Grid said her family had let that status run out a few months ago. Earlier this week, they shut off the power reportedly due to a delinquent bill.But there was no warning on the day and no neighbor was informed.
Under New Hampshire state law, anyone under that do-not-shut-off list must renew that status every 60 days. And the utility companies allegedly lobbied for that relaxation in the rules.
New Hampshire Governor John Lynch sent a rebuke to the chairman of the Public Utilities Commission, Thomas Getz, ordering an “immediate review of the circumstances” and “an assessment of the adequacy of policies and safeguards related to power shut-offs, and a determination of whether those policies are being rigorously adhered to by New Hampshire’s utility companies.”
Phaneuf, 53, relied on an oxygen machine. Her husband returned home to find his wife in cardiac arrest, just an hour after the power was disconnected. She was taken to a local hospital, where she died Thursday night.
National Grid said a meter technician knocked on the door Monday morning, but no one answered. The couple’s home had been on a do-not-shut-off list periodically, but the utility said that status was never renewed in the spring.
National Grid this morning extended its sympathy to the family of the victim.
powkey Portable Power Station 350W, 260Wh/70,000mAh Backup Lithium Battery, 110V Pure Sine Wave Power Bank with 2 AC Outlets, Portable Generator for Outdoors Camping Travel Hunting Emergency
Now retrieving the rating.
$192.98 (as of April 24, 2024 13:58 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)🔌【Multiple Charging Ports】: 2* Pure Sine Wave AC outlets (110V 350W ), 2* USB-A ports (5V, 3.1A total),1* USB-C port , 2* DC Outputs(12V 8A; 24V 3A) and 1* 12V DC car port to charge your devices, and 1 * 10W wireless charging pad are also equipped. 🔋... read more
Amazon Visa
Now retrieving the rating.
$23.00 (as of April 24, 2024 13:58 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)3% Back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market* 2% Back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores* 1% Back on all other purchases* No annual fees* No foreign transaction fees*
200W Portable Power Station, Powkey 120Wh/33,000mAh Power Bank with AC Outlet, 110V 6 Outputs Solar Generator External Battery Pack with LED Light for Home Use and Outdoor Camping
Now retrieving the rating.
31% Off120WH CAPACITY: The power station has a power capacity of 120Wh/33,000mAh which the camping power supply can power most electronic devices efficiently. It can fully charge mobile phone 10+ times, the laptop 2 times, the CPAP machine 3 hours (the time... read more
Anker Power Bank Power Station 60,000mAh,Portable Outdoor Generator 87W with Smart Digital Display, Retractable Auto Lighting and SOS Mode, Home Backup(PowerCore Reserve 192Wh) for Travel, Camping
Now retrieving the rating.
$149.99 (as of April 24, 2024 13:58 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)1. Sustainable Power Anywhere: Harness the sun's energy with solar panel compatibility for eco-conscious charging on-the-go. This Anker power station is ideal for maintaining your devices powered while you're out and about. 2. Safety in Your Pocket: ... read more
Foldable Solar Panel Charger 60W with 18V DC Output (11 Connectors) for 100W~350W Portable Power Stations Jackery/Rockpals/Flashfish/Enginstar, Portable Solar Generator for Outdoor Camping Van RV Trip
Now retrieving the rating.
$98.99 (as of April 24, 2024 13:58 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)HIGH CONVERSION EFFICIENCY: With a 22% high conversion efficiency of this 60W mono crystalline solar panel, it’s able to produce electricity in low light outdoor environment (Recommend > 40000Lux) to charge your devices in shorter time. 4 OUTPUT PORT... read more
2 Responses
As soon as you believe you can trust the government you’re in trouble.
This just proves big business values $$ profit margins over human life. Somebody deserves more than a ‘mildly worded rebuke’ over this.
It’s outrageous!