Area residents will have an opportunity to address state officials about widespread power outages caused by Hurricane Sandy.
The meeting will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Nov. 29 at the Edwardian Room of the Fernwood Hotel and Convention Center in Monroe County.
Representatives of the Public Utility Commission (PUC), the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), and the electric utilities will be in attendance to listen to the concerns of the community and hear suggestions for improvements moving forward.
Senator Lisa Baker, who organized the meeting, said there have been numerous complaints about the difficulties encountered in getting power restored. Many people have expressed extreme frustration with the disruptions and added costs they encountered while the power was off as well as the uncertainty they faced wondering when it might return.
“The purpose is to have as broad an exchange of information as possible,” she said. “We’ve heard a lot of specific suggestions from across the community on how the process can be improved. It is important to give those affected a chance to talk to the individuals who have the power and the responsibility to make things better in the future.”
There will be separate opportunities for officials and area residents to explain the challenges they faced during the storm and offer their recommendations for changes. State officials will first hear from county and municipal officials, emergency management and response personnel, and business leaders and community associations. The will be followed by input from local residents.
“It appears that some of the changes implemented since last year helped,” said Representative Rosemary Brown, “but there is much more to be done.”
“The companies need to hear about the challenges faced during the storm and our recommendations for improvements,” added Representative Mario Scavello. “The PUC has asked the utilities to come back with a better plan, and community input will be critical as they conduct their evaluations.”
In order to afford as many as possible the chance to be heard, those wishing to speak will be asked to limit remarks to 3-5 minutes. Speakers can register upon arrival on a first-come, first-served basis.
Written comments may be offered at the meeting, or can be sent to Senator Baker at lbaker@pasen.gov or 2512 Route 6, Hawley, PA 18428.
Information booths will be set up by the PUC, PEMA and the utility companies to provide an overview of the storm event and restoration efforts, to share an update on recent activities, and to answer individual questions.
The public input session is not part of the PUC complaint process. Answers to those questions can be found at www.puc.state.pa.us or by calling 1-800-692-7380.
COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION
November 29, 2012
Fernwood Hotel, Edwardian Ballroom
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The purpose of the community input session is to provide an opportunity for representatives of the Public Utility Commission (PUC), the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), and the electric utilities to listen to the concerns of the community and hear suggestions for improvements moving forward.
Information booths will be set up to provide an overview of the storm event and restoration efforts, to share an update on recent activities, and to answer individual questions.
Comments will be limited to 3-5 minutes, and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Those wishing to offer written comments may do so by leaving them at the sign-in table, by emailing lbaker@pasen.gov or by mailing Sen. Lisa Baker at 2512 Route 6, Hawley, PA 18428.
AGENDA
4:00 p.m. Opening Remarks
4:05 p.m. Federal and State Officials
4:30 p.m. County and Municipal Officials
5:00 p.m. Emergency Management and Response
5:30 p.m. Business Leaders and Community Associations
6:00 p.m. Public Comment
Contact: Jennifer Wilson
(570) 675-3931