Addabbo wants to work with Con Ed/PSE&G to better plan for future storms as residents suffer for days with power outages

After Tropical Storm Isaias made its way through the metropolitan area many residents in Queens were left with interruptions in power and utility services, some caused by downed trees. State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. wants to make sure that individuals are able to keep their services running during or immediately after major storms.

In response to areas in his district that have suffered for days without power and basic utility service due to the storm, Addabbo has been in touch with Con Ed and PSE&G about working to address problematic areas throughout the district, in light of these prolonged outages.

“Unfortunately, this situation isn’t a new one. Many of my constituents have been victimized by major storms in the past and were prepared before, during and after this recent Isaias storm. I’d like to make sure Con Ed and PSE&G is just as prepared going forward,” Addabbo said. “For the current outages, I have been in touch with both Con Ed and PSE&G to alert them to areas with prolonged outages. There needs to be long-term plan to this problem, and not just reactionary measures after service has been interrupted.”

In addition to working directly with Con Ed and PSE&G on the immediate issues, Addabbo recently has proposed two Senate bills aimed at improving access to utility service for everyone.

The first bill, S.6730 looks to make the opportunity to receive basic utility service, clean air and clean water a civil right. This bill would ensure that residents are able to access service from gas and electric utilities that may have a monopoly on service in any given community.

Senate bill S.6731 would create a task force for the state to study and make recommendations on backup energy in cases where the energy provider is unable or unwilling to provide such service.

“In the 21^st Century, having access to power utilities is a basic necessity that everyone should have the opportunity to have,” Addabbo said. “From the elderly citizens who need electricity for their life-saving machines to the students who need access to the internet for schoolwork, our people deserve to have access to reliable power and utility services. Improving access to these utilities and identifying backup energy services before another storm hits is imperative so we do not see the widespread, days-long outages like we have just experienced.”