SCHUMER CALLS ON DOE’S OFFICE OF ELECTRICITY TO INVESTIGATE RECENT NYC BLACKOUT

Today U.S Senator Charles Schumer is calling on the Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity to investigate yesterday’s blackout in New York City and Con Edison’s work to maintain and upgrade NYC’s power grid.

On the heels of yesterday’s blackout that left approximately 72,000 New Yorkers without power for hours, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer is calling on the Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity to investigate the recent black out and the current work being done by Con Edison to maintain and upgrade the New York City power grid. Schumer, today said that the federal agency should consider the New York City blackout a national priority as it underscores the need for significant improvements in our electrical infrastructure throughout the country.

“DOE’s Office of Electricity must work hand in glove with the State and City of New York to shed light on the recent blackout—this type of massive blackout is entirely preventable with the right investments in our grid. DOE should identify what grid improvements will prevent a massive blackout from happening again in New York, and hopefully those lessons learned here can be applied nationally. It’s also clear that the current undertakings by Con Ed to maintain and improve the New York grid could benefit from additional independent oversight.” Schumer said.