Three Pennsylvania House Democrats seek backing for an unfiled bill. It would require utilities to keep an opt-in registry of users of life-sustaining medical devices and bar nonpayment shutoffs for up to a year. Grants would help pay for generators and battery packs.
State Rep. Jim Prokopiak is leading the proposal, with Reps. Lisa Borowski and Melissa Cerrato as co-sponsors. WTAJ reported that the registry would be updated quarterly and list backup-power needs, emergency contacts and outage-priority information. The lawmakers say it would help utilities prepare for outages affecting people whose equipment supports organ function, sustains life or aids mobility.
