Res. No. 1441
Resolution calling upon the New York State Public Safety Commission to require utilities to conduct stray voltage testing on all electric facilities accessible to the public every six months and inspection of all electric facilities every two years.
By Council Members Vallone, James, Koppell, Williams and Wills
Whereas, Stray voltage, also known as contact voltage, occurs when abnormal power conditions cause electric facilities, including objects such as lamp posts, sidewalk grates and manholes, to become energized; and
Whereas, According to the New York Times, pedestrians and animals that come into contact with electrified objects may experience electrical shocks, resulting in injury or even death; and
Whereas, Consolidated Edison (Con Edison) has acknowledged that the 2004 death of a Manhattan pedestrian was caused by stray voltage emanating from a metal sidewalk plate; and
Whereas, According to Con Edison, 79 shocks from stray voltage were reported in its service areas in 2011; and
Whereas, The New York Public Safety Commission (PSC) is empowered by state law to regulate utilities and insure safe service; and
Whereas, The PSC requires utilities to conduct annual testing for stray voltage on all electric facilities accessible to the public and perform inspection of all electric facilities once every five years; and
Whereas, According to Con Edison, approximately 778,000 facilities within New York City and Westchester County must be tested annually; and
Whereas, The large number of both facilities vulnerable to stray voltage and pedestrians in New York City necessitate more frequent testing for dangerous voltage conditions; and
Whereas, Increased testing requirements for stray voltage may help to decrease the risk of potentially lethal electric shocks to New York City pedestrians and their pets; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Public Safety Commission to require utilities to conduct stray voltage testing on all electric facilities accessible to the public every six months and inspection of all electric facilities every two years.
LS #197
07/03/12 12:30PM
KET