Recs: 0
EVERGREEN-A Future Producer of Cleaner Coal Energy :We need all the cleaner energy production possible:
Utilities barred from shutting off power when it gets too hot
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aug 1 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Chicago Tribune
Utilities have been barred under Illinois law from shutting off service to nonpaying customers during cold winter months. Now they are barred from doing the same when it gets too hot.
Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Friday signed legislation that he said would safeguard consumers, particularly senior citizens, from heat-related illness when temperatures hit 95 or higher.
"During tough economic times, many people--especially families with children and other vulnerable residents--could face having their power shut off during extremely hot weather," Blagojevich said in a statement. "By signing this law I am refusing to let that happen."
The measure, which includes holidays and weekends, had passed both houses of the General Assembly unanimously. It covers gas or electricity when either is the sole power source for air conditioning in the residence.
It covers all public utilities in the state except Mid-America in the Quad Cities area, which already had a no cut-off policy when the temperature exceeds 100, as well as Mt. Carmel Public Utility Co., a smaller Downstate provider, the governor said.