Power cut off, woman dies

**LilSel** · 30th May 2007, 11:11

What do you think about this?

story

**Beemer** · 30th May 2007, 11:23

Will wait to hear the full story. Used to work for a power company and anyone who had a lifethreatening illness that required the power to be on at all times, regardless of their payment history, had a note on their file. Their power would NEVER be cut off under any circumstances.

I'm not saying the woman didn't die because the power supply to her oxygen was cut off, but I wonder if the power company was made aware of this before and also if the guy was told this when he arrived to cut off the power. In circumstances like that, they always ring the power company to see what they should do. Most of them are pretty compassionate and try to avoid cutting off the power if they can, so it will be interesting to see what the full story is.

If the power company was aware of all the facts and went ahead anyway, then that is pretty appalling.

**LilSel** · 30th May 2007, 11:24

I mean... by reading the media's account of events... what is your perspective on this tragic event??

**beyond** · 30th May 2007, 11:24

I think that's pretty bloody sick. Terrible news!

You would think such an important piece of equipment would be fitted with aback up battery and a notifcation alarm as well.

I do think before people act they need to find why things haven't been paid especially when there are people around like this.

**Blackadda** · 30th May 2007, 11:24

They are supposed to let people know when they are cutting off the power.

On the other hand, what if someone hits the pole and the power is out for an hour or so while it gets fixed????

**gijoe1313** · 30th May 2007, 11:24

This sort of scenario, you normally read about it happening in other countries. Not in good ol'NZ

What a tragic, senseless thing to happen

So many questions, but the answer is still the same. A needless death.

**LilSel** · 30th May 2007, 11:25

Originally Posted by Beemer

Will wait to hear the full story. Used to work for a power company and anyone who had a lifethreatening illness that required the power to be on at all times, regardless of their payment history, had a note on their file. Their power would NEVER be cut off under any circumstances.

I'm not saying the woman didn't die because the power supply to her oxygen was cut off, but I wonder if the power company was made aware of this before and also if the guy was told this when he arrived to cut off the power. In circumstances like that, they always ring the power company to see what they should do. Most of them are pretty compassionate and try to avoid cutting off the power if they can, so it will be interesting to see what the full story is.

If the power company was aware of all the facts and went ahead anyway, then that is pretty appalling.

Just wondering what peoples takes are... I look forward to the full story coming out

**MisterD** · 30th May 2007, 11:26

Somebody fucked up big time, I wouldn't like to say if it was the power co or the customer yet though....

**Thomas** · 30th May 2007, 11:28

Originally Posted by Blackadda

They are supposed to let people know when they are cutting off the power.

On the other hand, what if someone hits the pole and the power is out for an hour or so while it gets fixed????

I bet there is more to this story than the media is letting on.

**Swoop** · 30th May 2007, 11:29

Originally Posted by LilSel

I mean... by reading the media's account of events... what is your perspective on this tragic event??

My perspective is to wonder what media "spin" has been placed on this "tragic" event.
More to it than meets the eye, methinks.

**LilSel** · 30th May 2007, 11:29

Originally Posted by Blackadda

On the other hand, what if someone hits the pole and the power is out for an hour or so while it gets fixed????

Force majeure...

Who would be to blame in that case? The car driver?

**MisterD** · 30th May 2007, 11:31

Originally Posted by Swoop

My perspective is to wonder what media "spin" has been placed on this "tragic" event.
More to it than meets the eye, methinks.

Ooh you cynical bugger Swoop....

**Beemer** · 30th May 2007, 11:31

I can't remember the full details from when I worked for a power company but the person who had the power account would have received a reminder notice two weeks after the account was meant to have been paid. That would have been followed by a letter telling them the power would be disconnected if they didn't pay within a certain time, and if no payment was received, they would be sent a disconnection notice, saying their power would be disconnected within 24 hours. They would have to pay and ring in with their receipt number to avoid the power being disconnected.

Considering the number of times power is cut due to accidents, storms, etc, this woman should have had a back-up power supply. Also, was she confined to the house at all times? If not, how did she cope whenever she left the house? I don't want to be too cynical, but I think there is going to be a shitload more to this story than we are being told right now.