Is money more important than a Veteran's life? Veteran's death prompts calls for better utility shutoff rules

2015-06-17T09:04:09-04:00

Months after John Skelley, 69, lost heat in his West Pearl Street home and was found dead of hypothermia and other health issues in February, gas and utility companies should submit new ways to better reach elderly residents who are most at risk during a shutoff in extreme weather, Michigan Public Service Commission spokeswoman Judy Palnau said in a news release on Monday.

http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/veteran-s-death-prompts-calls-for-better-utility-shutoff-rules-1.352713

Response by CPT Bruce Rodgers made Jun 17 at 2015 9:05 AM

2015-06-17T09:05:32-04:00

I think the Vietnam era veterans are still getting screwed by our society

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Jun 17 at 2015 9:29 AM

2015-06-17T09:29:15-04:00

No - but we do need more individual accountability. This is not the fault of the gas company -

"It's very unfortunate," Consumers spokeswoman Deborah Dodd said in February. "We had no idea that anyone else was living with him. ... We need our customers to let us know if they're having problems, the sooner the better. We can't help you if we don't know you need help."

They would have helped him if he had just let them know he needed help!

Response by Sgt Nick Marshall made Jun 17 at 2015 10:35 AM

2015-06-17T10:35:12-04:00

It is not a black or white question, every case should be taken on it's merits. Our resources are not unlimited.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2015 1:59 PM

2015-06-17T13:59:47-04:00

Extreme weather conditions alone should be enough to delay cutting off someones utilities.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 17 at 2015 4:15 PM

2015-06-17T16:15:37-04:00

I'm sure there's more to the story. Was this veteran even getting the bills and shutoff notices? If he was one would think that he would have contacted the gas company and set up something.