Utilities role in CO education

John R. Hall

A spokesperson said the utility educates consumers on what to do during loss of power. The bulletin contains a bullet point "Do not attempt to tie generators into the house circuit. This can be dangerous to you, your neighbors and to our linemen. Plug appliances directly into the generator. Supplemental heaters and generators designed for home use should be used with extreme caution, paying close attention to the manufacturer's instructions."

Here was my suggestion:

"I strongly urge you to add another bullet point to your tips, such as "NEVER run a gas-powered heater or generator in an unvented space such as a basement or room with no windows or cross-ventilation. Odorless and colorless carbon monoxide (CO) gas from gas-powered heaters and generators can build up in unvented spaces resulting in severe injury or death."

Don't depend on a customer to check a manufacturer's recommendation -- MAKE YOUR OWN.

Thousands of people are killed or injured from CO poisoning each year and it is everyone's responsibility, especially utility companies, to do their best to educate home and business owners and not depend on a second source to do the educating."

The reply was very encouraging:

"We will make that change. Thanks for your feedback."

Maybe one life will be saved. Cool. Have a great weekend.

John R. Hall

Some accountability?

The recent death of a grandmother and 15-month old child from CO poisioning after electricity was cut off to their home got me thinking. This lady resorted to using a gas generator in an unvented space to keep her and the infant warm.

At what point is the utility responsible for telling people like her the consequences of operating generators in an unvented space? Should the utility be responsible for educating customers (or in this case, former customer) on the dangers of CO? I know that even if they were to educate people, it is the same as leading a horse to water but it seems to me that utility companies have a responsibility to preserving human lives. What a novel thought eh?

I put the responsibility question to the utility company (South Carolina Electric & Gas) and am anxiously awaiting their reply.