Park Slope residents say Con Ed won't honor claims for food spoiled after extended power outages

"We were both just flabbergasted. They have this program in place, and now they're claiming they won't cover it. Weeks later, almost four weeks now, to not pay, it's definitely a betrayal. What would this even cover then? Because this is the bare minimum. We had to get a hotel to keep us and the pets safe, to not even this, I just don't understand."

"Con Edison customers in Brooklyn say Con Ed is rejecting their requests for reimbursement after January's prolonged power outages left them with spoiled food and medicine. Residents in Park Slope and Boerum Hill, among the hardest‑hit neighborhoods, were told they could apply for up to $850 through a Con Ed claims program. But many who submitted forms later received an email saying their claims would not be honored because the outages were caused by road salt."

Con Edison customers in Brooklyn's Park Slope and Boerum Hill neighborhoods faced prolonged power outages in January that damaged food and medicine. The utility offered a claims program providing up to $850 in reimbursement. However, many applicants received denials citing road salt as the cause, which Con Ed classified as outside its control. Residents expressed frustration, noting the program appears ineffective if it excludes common outage causes. Some customers incurred additional costs for hotel stays to protect themselves and pets. City Council Member Shahana Hanif, who encouraged constituents to apply, is now pressing Con Ed to reconsider denied claims and provide explanations, noting that some buildings in the area had their claims successfully processed.

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