New Law Requires Utility Companies to Prioritize Fixing Downed Wires Reported by Residents

by Mindy Cohn

A newly passed NYS law requires utility companies to respond to downed wires reported by members of the public in under 72 hours. 

The new Legislation S.7230/A.237  aims to protect consumers during storms and other emergencies by requiring utility companies to develop plans to prioritize responding to reports of downed wires. If a member of the public identifies a downed wire that presents a hazard, they can now report that wire to their utility company, which must respond no later than seventy-two hours after the report.

Previously, utility companies were only required to schedule repairs if the downed wire was reported by a municipal emergency official. 

"By broadening the authority for reporting downed wires to include municipal emergency officials and individuals, we are empowering our communities to swiftly alert electric and utility companies,"  says Assemblyman Nader Sayegh, who carried the law in the New York Assembly. "This measure enhances our emergency response plans, prioritizing public safety and the well-being of New Yorkers."