Important Information For Our Medically Essential Members


At Steuben Rural, we know that reliable electric service is important to all of our members. For those members who are medically dependent on electric powered equipment to sustain life, reliable electric service is a necessity. To download a medical necessity form click here.

Steuben Rural Electric Cooperative recognizes that some of our members rely on life-sustaining medical equipment, such as oxygen concentrators, neublizers, and dialysis machines, which require a steady source of power. Additionally, some homes may have residents who are permanently dependent on such electric equipment. While we strive to provide a reliable electric service with minimal interruptions, it is important to understand that certain factors beyond our control can lead to occasional power outages. Therefore, we cannot guarantee uninterrupted service 100% of the time.

For our members who have medical conditions or utilize medical equipment reliant on electricity, it is crucial to be informed of how Steuben Rural Electric addresses these situations in the event of a power outage.

By designating your account as "Medical Necessity, we will make every effort to contact you by telephone if it becomes necessary to de-energize your line for repairs or upgrades. During such instances, we will provide you with information regarding the expected duration of the outage. While we cannot guarantee continuity of service due to unforeseen circumstances, we endeavor to prioritize your location during outages.

In the event of a power interruption, Steuben Rural Electric will strive to meet your needs. However, please understand that we cannot ensure that your electricity will be restored in a timeframe that protects your reliance on medical equipment, nor can we guarantee accommodations for your medical condition. Therefore, it is essential that you have a back-up plan in place. This may include temporarily relocating to a location with electricity or arranging for a standby power generator to fullfil your needs during extended outages.

To enhance communication, Steuben Rural Electric makes it a priority to contact all members prior to any planned outages or disconnections due to non-payment. To facilitate this communication, we encourage you to keep your phone number and email address updated. Please verify your contact information through SmartHub or reach out to us at (607) 776-4161 or (800) 843-3414.

You are important to us. To request an application, call SREC at (607) 776-4161 or you can download an applicaiton to complete and return it to us.

Outage Restoration

When circumstances permit doing so, the Cooperative uses this information to prioritize outage restorations. Having the proper documentation on file is an important component of this process. If you have medical or life support equipment that is dependent upon electricity, please complete the following application below. There are circumstances in which the Cooperative is unable to prioritize based on medical needs, so it is important to have another source that can power your medical or life support equipment in the event of an outage.

General Information

The Cooperative will make reasonable efforts to update medical certifications on an annual basis. As such, you may be requested to send in an updated certification. As referenced in 21 CRR-NY 459.10, the Cooperative is not liable for failure of any member to furnish such information.

Disconnect for Nonpayment

In accordance with 21 CRR-NY 459, the Cooperative is not permitted to disconnect for nonpayment when we know or reasonably should know, that the discontinuance of electric service could lead to an impairment of human health. As such, it is important that individuals with medical or life support equipment that is dependent upon electricity complete the following application below to ensure that the Cooperative is aware that discontinuance of electric service for nonpayment could impair human health.

In accordance with 21 CRR-NY 459.9, information concerning the circumstances where it is found that discontinuance of service would lead to serious impairment to human health, and there is a schedule disconnect for nonpayment, the account must be referred to the local social services commissioner and documented. The Cooperative may only disconnect for nonpayment if the local social services commissioner, after an investigation, informs the Cooperative that the health-impairing condition does not exist or is not serious, or that an alternative means for protecting the person's health has been devised.

Create a Backup Plan

The Medical Necessity designation does not guarantee continuous electric service, so it's critical for you and your family to develop a personal backup plan in the event of a planned or unexpected power outage. Discuss your specific medical needs with your physician and make sure you understand and follow the medical equipment manufacturer's recommendations for backup power. These may include:

  • Uninterruptible power supply

  • Backup oxygen tanks

  • Extra charged batteries

  • Standby or portable generators

Create an emergency contact list and an evacuation plan in case you need to temporarily relocate to a secondary location in the event of an extended power outage. Always call 911 if you have an emergency.