This bill mandates that electric public utilities conduct wellness checks for residents in age-restricted communities who rely on powered medical devices during power outages. It requires utilities to establish a confidential registry of these residents, which must be updated at least annually. Within one hour of a power outage, utilities are obligated to prioritize the restoration of power to individuals on this registry. If power restoration is not feasible within four hours, the utility must conduct wellness checks to ensure these individuals have access to backup power or alternative accommodations.
Furthermore, if a wellness check reveals that a resident does not have access to backup power or alternative accommodations, the utility is required to provide backup power supplies, such as portable generators or battery packs, or assist in relocating the individual to a facility with power. The bill emphasizes collaboration between utilities, county officials, local emergency services, healthcare providers, and community organizations to effectively implement these wellness checks.