Bill > A4787

Introduced Session

This bill requires, in the event of a power outage, the electric public utility (utility) responsible for providing the electric service interrupted by the power outage to conduct or cause to be conducted a wellness check on persons with powered medical devices in affected age-restricted communities in collaboration with county officials, if applicable, until the resolution of the power outage. Under the bill, utilities, in coordination with county officials if applicable, are required to identify and maintain a confidential registry of residents in age-restricted communities who rely on powered medical devices. This registry is required to be updated at least annually. Additionally, within one hour of the onset of a power outage, the utility is required to prioritize the restoration of power to those individuals on the registry created pursuant to the bill. If restoration of power is not possible within four hours, the utility is required to: (1) conduct or cause to be conducted a wellness check on individuals listed in the registry to ensure the individuals have access to backup power or alternative accommodations; and (2) if after conducting a wellness check, the utility knows that a person listed in the registry does not have access to backup power or alternative accommodations, the utility is required to provide backup power supplies, such as portable generators or battery packs, or assist in relocating individuals to facilities with power if necessary. The bill requires utilities to collaborate with county officials, local emergency services, healthcare providers, and community organizations to ensure the wellness checks meet the requirements of the bill.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Alex Sauickie (R)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee (on 09/19/2024)

Official Document