Restoring power to disabled people should be a priority during power outages: advocates

Murielle Pitre, who has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair, wants NB Power to prioritize helping customers like her during power cuts.

While many people face inconveniences during a power outage, such as not being able to use a computer or watch TV for entertainment, Pitre loses access to things that are not optional.

“If the chair doesn’t work, is everything OK? You can’t go to the kitchen to make food, you can’t go to the bathroom, you can’t go to take a shower,” she said in an interview.

“It’s the same effect as, ‘Oh, the power’s out, so we’ll just take your legs and put them in the corner until the power comes back on’… it seems kind of silly, but that’s what happens if I don’t have my chair.”

WATCH | Murielle Pitre says restoring power is critical:

Restoring power during power outages is critical for New Brunswick residents with disabilities

Murielle Pitre, a wheelchair user, wants NB power to give priority to people using basic electronic devices in the event of a power cut.

Pitre, a founder of the NB Coalition for Persons with Disabilities and a Moncton-area resident, uses not only a wheelchair but several other devices, including a lift bed and a breathing machine similar to a continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP.

He is not the only person experiencing problems with electricity supply.

A woman with glasses looks directly at the camera. — Shelley Petit of the New Brunswick Disability Coalition said some people were hospitalized after power went out in their homes. (Submitted by Shelley Petit)

Shelley Petit, also of the Disability Coalition, told NB Power at the Energy and Public Utilities Council meeting that in the worst cases, power outages resulted in disabled people having to go to hospital for medical attention.

“We had people who were … stuck in bed. We had one person who was stuck in the bathtub because the bathtub lifter wouldn’t lift them out of the bathtub anymore,” Petit said.

“They are becoming very significant to us.”

NB Power spokesman Dominique Couture said a customer’s file may be prioritized if the home has “life-saving equipment,” meaning a device that will directly support a person’s life, and a doctor confirms its need.

“As priority customers, their status is taken into consideration during power restoration efforts,” she explained in an email.

“To provide additional support, communications with priority code customers are being enhanced in the event of a planned power outage or extended power outage to ensure they are aware and can make arrangements if needed.”

NB engine truck in the parking lot — NB Power says a customer file may receive a priority flag if the home has life-saving equipment, meaning a device that will directly support a person’s life. (Aniekan Etuhube/CBC)

In cases where a customer using assistive devices may be disconnected due to nonpayment, Couture said the facility takes into account “all relevant information, documentation and their unique needs.”

While the current system is still early days, Pitre wants the utility to understand that assistive devices are essential.

“It makes sense to me because I’m used to living like this… I want them to know that the things we use are not an option,” she said.

“It’s not like … ‘I have to go the whole day without using a computer. It’s so boring.’ For us, it’s so much more. That’s critical.”

Pitre says mental health issues, such as feeling trapped or unable to communicate with the outside world, can be just as debilitating as physical health issues.

“Sometimes you’re afraid people will forget you’re here,” she said. “My elevator doesn’t work, my phone doesn’t work, so what’s my contact with the outside world? Not much… It can be terrifying.”