Utility Medical Protections: Important Information for Physicians
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New York State law provides protections against utility shutoffs when service loss jeopardizes health. A simple letter can prevent dangerous service disconnections and help patients remain safe in their homes.
Life-Support Equipment (LSE) Protections
For patients who use any equipment required to sustain life, such as oxygen, monitoring equipment, or other vital devices. These protections offer shutoff prevention, advance notice of planned outages, priority restoration during extended outages, and wellness checks during emergencies.
Medical Certification (Temporary Shutoff Protection)
For patients with a serious illness or disability that would worsen without utility service, even if they are not on life-support equipment. Patients may receive 30 days of protection from shutoffs. Utilities may grant longer periods if the conditions persist. Recertification is required after the protection expires.
Elderly, Blind, Disabled (EBD) Protections
Applies when all members of a household are elderly (62+), blind, disabled, or under 18. Even if not all residents qualify, providers are encouraged to submit a letter for temporary protection if any member meets these criteria.
Provider Letter Requirements
Please send the completed letter directly to the utility company and provide your patient with a copy. The letter must be on official letterhead and include:
• Patient name, date of birth, and service address
• Account holder’s name
• Statement that “loss of utility service would endanger health or aggravate a serious condition”
• Provider name, license number, contact information, and signature
Medical Certification for Temporary Shutoff Protection (General) Template
| Utility Company | Certification Department Contact Information |
| NYSEG | NYSEG Medical Provider Portal |
| RG&E | RG&E Medical Provider Portal |
| ConEdison | Fax: (718)-246-3115
Email: [email protected] |
| Orange & Rockland | Fax: (914)-925-9280 |
| National Grid (Upstate “Nimo”) | Fax: (315)-460-9343
Email: [email protected] |
| National Grid (Downstate) | Fax: (718)-246-3115
Email: [email protected] |
| Central Hudson | Fax: (845) 486-5658 |
| PSEG Long Island | Fax: (631)-844-3635
Email: [email protected] |
| National Fuel | Fax: (716)-857-6500 Business days (7AM-5:30PM) After-Hours Fax: (716)-827-5511 |
If you or your patient experience problems receiving these protections, you can file an inquiry or complaint with the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) online at dps.ny.gov/complaints or by calling 1-800-342-337
