Report Says More Blackouts Possible

New York, NY —

A new state report says Con Ed failed to take steps that could have limited a blackout that affected more than 100,000 people in Queens last summer. And the report says it could happen again if Con Ed doesn't fix "significant weaknesses" now. WNYC's Kathryn Herzog reports.

The report from the Public Service Commission details numerous mistakes that Con Ed made last July when tens of thousands of people were without power for several days. Regulators called the utility's performance "unacceptable and a gross disservice to its customers." While the report noted that Con Ed field crews and service reps worked long hours and under difficult conditions, it said the company "failed, or refused, to comprehend the magnitude of the crisis."

Residents sweltered without air conditioners on some of the hottest days of the years. Business losses ran into the tens of millions of dollars.

In response to the report, Con Edison said it has worked to improve its network systems and emergency response procedures, and that it was reviewing the state's findings.

For WNYC, I'm Kathryn Herzog.