“Many businesses in the frozen zone have been closed for two weeks and others are just beginning to fully assess their losses.  Midtown businesses have suffered extraordinary damages and disruption, and Con Ed’s customary 30-day deadline isn’t enough time,” Maloney said.  “Further, many businesses may still be unaware that some of their losses are reimbursable.  Con Ed should formally extend its claims deadline indefinitely.”

The full text of Maloney’s letter to Burke follows. 

August 1, 2007

Mr. Kevin Burke
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Consolidated Edison Company of New York
4 Irving Place
New York, NY 10003

Dear Mr. Burke:

            I am writing to express my concerns regarding the amount of time Con Edison currently plans to give businesses to file claims for reimbursement of losses stemming from the steam pipe explosion that occurred on July 18, 2007.  I am told that in general, businesses have 30 days from the time of the incident to file their losses with Con Edison, and that Con Edison has not formally extended its deadline with respect to losses incurred as a result of the explosion.

            Given the fact that several buildings are still closed, that many businesses are only just beginning to evaluate the scope of their losses, and that a significant number are only just learning that they can seek reimbursement, I hope that your customary deadline can be extended indefinitely.  Further, many business owners that I contacted this week were unaware that they could file damage claims. Given the difficulty in assessing the scope of losses and the gravity of this incident, 30 days is simply not enough time.           

            Accordingly, I hope Con Edison will extend its customary 30-day deadline in order to give business owners ample opportunity to file their claims. I appreciate your attention to this matter. 

                                                                              Sincerely,
                                                                           
                                                                             CAROLYN B. MALONEY
                                                                             Member of Congress

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