Medical Protective Status

Rhode Islanders who rely on life-sustaining medical equipment such as breathing machines or dialysis equipment are eligible to apply for "medical protective status" from their utility companies from November through April. Utility companies will not shut off service to anyone under medical protective status during this time period.

What you should do

• Notify your utility company if you have life-sustaining medical equipment or need power for some other medical reason (e.g. to keep medicine cold). Utility companies can notify customers if there is a planned or unplanned power outage.
• Call your utility company to get a medical protective status form. Complete the form (it will need to be signed by your healthcare provider) and return it to your utility company.