I have visited the website strayvoltagenyc.org created by the Jodie S. Lane Public Safety Foundation. I have learned that frequent mobile scans [12 per year] in NYC have reduced shock events by almost 70%. I request that the PSC maintain 12 scans per year indefinitely in NYC.
In 2009, the PSC required Upstate NY utilities to perform 1 mobile scan only for incorporated cities in excess of 50,000 people. Based on the findings in NYC, this is insufficient to materially reduce shocks. I request that the PSC require upstate utilities to perform 4 mobile scans in 2010 for all population centers larger than 30,000 regardless of incorporation status. Further, should energized object detections increase year over year the mobile scan rate should be doubled for the following year.
In NYC all objects energized with 1 or more volts are repaired or proven safe. This procedure has contributed to the reduction in shock events. I request the PSC to require the upstate utilities to repair or prove safe all energized objects at 1 or more volts.
Transparency and fact-based analysis has been vital for improving safety in New York City and is essential for improving public safety upstate. Require all upstate utilities to provide a complete database of stray voltage detections to the Jodie S. Lane Public Safety Foundation.