Financial & Medical Assistance

OUC will provide reasonable prior notice of power interruption due to scheduled service maintenance. This allows the customer to secure backup power for their medical equipment. The program also provides special consideration for payment arrangements, as well as information on energy efficiency and a list of social service agencies that may provide financial assistance and other health and human services.

In the event of emergency power failures due to natural causes or unforeseen system problems, we cannot provide prior notification. In these situations, it is the customer’s responsibility to have a power backup system for their medical equipment, as well as an action plan for proceeding to the nearest medical facility.

In addition, OUC does not exempt customers from service disconnection if they do not make regular payments on their account, do not keep payment arrangements or fail to provide information to re-validate their participation in the program.

If you are an OUC customer whose life-sustaining medical equipment is dependent on electric service, you should:

1. Obtain verification from a physician regarding your (1) medical condition, (2) the type of equipment needed and (3) the length of time the equipment is needed. Examples of life-sustaining medical equipment include oxygen concentrators, heart monitors, feeding pumps or dialysis machines. Ask your physician to complete the validation form and mail it to OUC.
2. Once the completed form is received and reviewed for eligibility, you will be able to participate in the program within 48 hours. OUC will maintain a record of your power needs, and your account will be identified by a gray seal on your electric meter.
3. Each year, OUC will send you a validation form requesting re-certification by your physician. Your participation in the program must be recertified every 12 months and no later than 30 days prior to the expiration of the existing form on file with OUC.