Queens Power Failure and its Aftermath: A Crucial Time for Mayor Bloomberg

Strategic Insights -

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's decision to cancel a trip to Ireland and pressure Consolidated Edison into granting instant reimbursements to those affected by the power failure in Queens has done little to soothe the mounting hostility of residents and businesses. As the crisis continues, Bloomberg has hinted that he may be less pleased with Con Edison's performance than previously stated, directing all relevant city agencies to participate in an investigation by the Public Service Commission. Meanwhile, city officials have announced measures to aid residents, including relaxed reimbursement requirements and low-interest loans for small businesses affected by the blackout.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mayor Bloomberg canceled a trip to Ireland and pressed Consolidated Edison into granting instant reimbursements to those affected by the power failure.
  • Reimbursements of up to $350 are available for spoiled food, with no need for receipts or itemized lists, and can be claimed through letters in any language.
  • Con Edison has agreed to relax requirements for businesses seeking reimbursement up to $7,000, including waiving receipt submission for city-funded low-interest loans of up to $10,000.
  • The city, through the nonprofit lender Seedco Financial Services, is offering financial workshops to small businesses affected by the blackout, which is being paid for by the city's Economic Development Corporation.
  • The administration has created a marketing campaign called Power Up Queens to draw people to the area's cultural and dining attractions, featuring a brochure distributed through visitor information centers in Manhattan.
  • Residents and business owners in Queens have expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of these measures, citing lost revenue and continued struggles with spotty power and related problems.
  • Con Edison employees have been going door-to-door to distribute reimbursement forms, but some business owners have declined, citing the small amount of reimbursement available.

Statistics:

  • 16,000 customers on Staten Island lost electricity for several hours.
  • The door-to-door distribution of reimbursement forms by Con Edison has reached hundreds of homes and businesses in Queens.
  • The city's Economic Development Corporation has set aside up to $3 million to pay for the cost of the relief program.
  • Small businesses affected by the blackout can apply for low-interest loans of up to $10,000.
  • Reimbursements of up to $7,000 are available for businesses and $350 for individuals for spoiled food and medicine.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, "'What Does the Mayor Think He Is?', Crowd Asks Bloomberg", August 23 (No specific date mentioned)
  • New York Times, "Con Edison to Relax Rules for Businesses Seeking Reimbursement", August 22
  • NYC Economic Development Corporation
  • Seedco Financial Services