NH woman who uses oxygen equipment dies after utility cuts power to home; review ordered

NH woman on oxygen dies after power cut to home

CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch has called on state regulators to review procedures on power shutoffs because a woman who used oxygen equipment died after a utility cut her electricity.

Lynch asked the Public Utilities Commission for a report by July 30.

Fifty-three-year-old Kay Phaneuf died Thursday at a hospital. She had been in critical condition since her husband found her unconscious Monday about an hour after National Grid cut power to their home.

Police said the bill hadn’t been paid. State regulations require written notice two weeks before a shut-off.

National Grid says it’s possible it wasn’t told of her need for the electricity.