Connecticut House Bill HB05841

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/11
• Refer: 1/24/11

Caption

An Act Providing Power Outage Information To People With Special Medical Needs.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5841 would amend existing statutes to create a mandate for utility companies to develop a systematic approach for notifying individuals with special medical needs about power outages and restoration timelines. This program could involve collaboration with healthcare providers and emergency services to identify affected individuals proactively. By implementing this measure, the state would seek to improve the emergency response capabilities for its most vulnerable citizens, likely leading to enhanced safety and preparedness during outages.

Summary

House Bill 5841 aims to establish a program that provides real-time information about utility service restoration during large-scale power outages specifically targeting individuals with special medical needs. The bill highlights the potential risks faced by these vulnerable populations during power outages, particularly when access to essential medical equipment, such as respirators or other life-support systems, is compromised due to loss of electricity. The intent is to enhance communication and ensure that those affected receive timely updates regarding efforts to restore power after outages.

Contention

While the bill seems to have widespread support due to its focus on public safety, it could raise questions regarding the feasibility and resource allocation for utilities to implement such a program. Some stakeholders may argue about the potential costs involved in creating and maintaining a real-time communication system and whether this could lead to increased utility rates. Additionally, there might be discussions around data privacy concerning the medical information necessary to identify individuals who are at greater risk during outages, necessitating careful consideration of privacy protections.