Time Is Running Out To Claim $540 Payout From Buffalo Blizzard

If you were one of the thousands of Western New York residents who suffered extended power outages due to the blizzard, you're entitled to a reimbursement, but you need to hurry.

New State Law In New York Entitles Residents To Power Outage Payouts

During the deadly blizzard, at least 10,000 people were without power, many for several days. There were at least seven deaths attributed to people losing power. The lack of power and heat contributed to the misery many people suffered during the storm. The new law allows people affected by extended power outages to get reimbursed, up to $540. If you haven't filed yet, you'll need to act quickly before your time runs out. You only have 14 days to file a claim.

In order to qualify, you must be a residential utility customer or a small business customer whose power was out for 72 consecutive hours or more.

Here's what you're legally entitled to:

1. A $25 credit for every 24 hours without power beyond 72 hours.

2. Up to $500 for spoiled food due to lack of refrigeration due to loss of power

Residential utility customers shall provide the utility company an itemized list of all food spoiled or proof of loss of food spoiled within fourteen days of the outage.

3. Cost of prescription medicine that may have gone bad due to lack of refrigeration.

Residential utility customers shall provide the utility company with an itemized list and proof of loss of prescription medication due to lack of refrigeration within fourteen days of the outage.

4. Cost of refrigerated food small businesses lost due to power outage up to $540.

Power providers are not permitted to charge the costs to customers,

Any costs incurred by a utility company pursuant to this section shall not be recoverable from ratepayers.

Utility companies can petition to waive the law. You can view the stipulations and get all the information here.

** This article is not intended to provide any legal counsel or advice.

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