Vulnerable seniors

I am writing on behalf of residents of Balfour Senior Living in Louisville. Xcel cut the power at this location from last Saturday through Monday. Residents there are a vulnerable community: about 200 people, all elderly and many with mobility issues and a number dependent on oxygen, live in Balfour’s three independent living buildings there. Residents living on the second and third floors were stranded: the elevators did not work and the stairs were completely dark. Balfour does not have a back-up generator. Residents were left in the dark, with no heat, for 42 hours.

Xcel’s response to the recent wind event was flawed from many perspectives, and I am glad to see that the PUC is going to investigate. Among any recommendations or requirements that may come out of that investigation for Xcel should be a prioritization for power restoration to communal living facilities that serve vulnerable populations.