UNITED STATES
Several New York utilities are being sanctioned for a failure to deal properly with major storms that hit the State last year.
The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) said it would take enforcement action after its staff investigated the utilities’ responses to the storms, one of which left more than 100,000 people without power.
Chair of the PSC, John Rhodes said the utilities’ shareholders could face storm-related financial penalties.
He said among the storms the PSC was looking at was one that did damage in the Western New York and Rochester areas in early April 2018.
Investigations identified 43 potential violations where Emergency Response Plans were not followed.
“When storms knock out power, it is the job of utilities to restore electricity to customers in a timely and safe manner,” Mr Rhodes said.
“Utilities are responsible for pre-storm preparation, and the implementation of restoration efforts after a storm, to assure safe and adequate electric service to the public.”
He said it was “mission-critical” that utilities were adequately prepared to meet and address the new reality in increased storm events and respond appropriately.
“When a utility fails to meet its responsibilities and commitments, they must and will be held accountable,” Mr Rhodes said.
New York, 23 April 2019
