Westchester County Legislators Thomas J. Abinanti (D-I-WF, Greenburgh), chair of the Environment & Energy Committee and Michael B. Kaplowitz (D-I-WF, Somers), who hosted this past Monday’s packed hearing on the recent power outages in Westchester, are urging County residents to submit their claims for spoiled food, etc. even if they are unsure whether or not they qualify for reimbursement.

“The frequent changes in Con Ed’s reimbursement policy have confused many residents who are already upset,” said Kaplowitz. “They should submit their claim even if they are unsure about qualifying for reimbursement.”

“Westchester residents were left in the heat and in the dark during the recent outages, because of aged equipment and lack of sufficient preventative maintenance – that’s an act of ConEd, not an act of God,” said Abinanti.

Both lawmakers agreed that Con Ed should not limit reimbursements to outages due to equipment damage only, because the reason the outages from the storms were so long and widespread was due to lack of proper preventative maintenance, outdated equipment and insufficient staff.