pierre
Senior Member
- Location
- Westchester County, New York
I received an interesting document today involving NY State Utilities.
In January of this past year, a woman was electocuted while walking over a manhole cover. This is not an isolated situation, as there are other recorded deaths, including pets.
The New York State Public Service Commission, which regulates the utility companies in NY has come out with a report and some new requirements for the POCOs.
It is a fairly long document, so I will print some of this for your thoughts.
Dated August 4, 2004.
"Attached is a notice from the NYS Public Service Commission requesting comment on a new set of requirements to be implemented by the States electric utilities that would minimize the potential exposure of the public to stray voltage conditions."
After some discussion of the findings of testing for stray voltage throughout the state, here is a statement.
"Altough this proceeding was commenced specifically to examine the safety of Con Edison's electric system, the information set forth above, as well as information routinely reported to the agency (see, e.g., 16NYCRR Part 125) demonstrates that stray voltage can exist on almost any facility that conducts electricity and comes into contact with the cables carrying electric current. Therefore, the scope of this proceeding is broadened and we will consider the need for and appropriateness of Statewide measures to address situations related to stray voltage and other potential electrocution risks to the public.
Attached to this Order is Staff's proposal for testing and inspection of utility facilities. While certain areas may be of greater concern than others (e.g., urban streets versus rural roads), the Staff proposal is intended to apply uniformily to all electric utilities under our jurisdiction."
"The utilities are responsible for ensuring that they are maximizing the safety of their electric systems. The fact that some utilities have done nothing regarding stray voltage suggests that the focus of utility management may need realignment."
It goes on to say that they are putting together a new statewide proposal, but welcome outside comments before finishing the new requirements. It lays out some guidelines and they will try to meet new very strict requirements. This should prove interesting to follow.
Pierre
In January of this past year, a woman was electocuted while walking over a manhole cover. This is not an isolated situation, as there are other recorded deaths, including pets.
The New York State Public Service Commission, which regulates the utility companies in NY has come out with a report and some new requirements for the POCOs.
It is a fairly long document, so I will print some of this for your thoughts.
Dated August 4, 2004.
"Attached is a notice from the NYS Public Service Commission requesting comment on a new set of requirements to be implemented by the States electric utilities that would minimize the potential exposure of the public to stray voltage conditions."
After some discussion of the findings of testing for stray voltage throughout the state, here is a statement.
"Altough this proceeding was commenced specifically to examine the safety of Con Edison's electric system, the information set forth above, as well as information routinely reported to the agency (see, e.g., 16NYCRR Part 125) demonstrates that stray voltage can exist on almost any facility that conducts electricity and comes into contact with the cables carrying electric current. Therefore, the scope of this proceeding is broadened and we will consider the need for and appropriateness of Statewide measures to address situations related to stray voltage and other potential electrocution risks to the public.
Attached to this Order is Staff's proposal for testing and inspection of utility facilities. While certain areas may be of greater concern than others (e.g., urban streets versus rural roads), the Staff proposal is intended to apply uniformily to all electric utilities under our jurisdiction."
"The utilities are responsible for ensuring that they are maximizing the safety of their electric systems. The fact that some utilities have done nothing regarding stray voltage suggests that the focus of utility management may need realignment."
It goes on to say that they are putting together a new statewide proposal, but welcome outside comments before finishing the new requirements. It lays out some guidelines and they will try to meet new very strict requirements. This should prove interesting to follow.
Pierre