Big Country Electric Cooperative is updating our records for members who may qualify for medical necessity or outage priority recognition.
If you or anyone living in your household uses life-sustaining medical equipment that requires electricity or if your facility depends on electric service for critical safety operations, please contact one of the co-op’s offices so we can send you the appropriate documentation for completion.
To allow time for review before the summer months, members are encouraged to begin this process by April 30.
Medical Necessity Recognition
Medical necessity recognition is available for residential members when a permanent household resident has a serious medical condition requiring electric-powered medical equipment or electric heating or cooling to prevent significant deterioration or when an electric-powered device is necessary to sustain life.
Members requesting this designation will be asked to provide information about the medical condition, the type of equipment in use and the amount of backup power available. A physician must also complete a medical certification verifying the condition and equipment.
Outage Priority Recognition
Outage priority recognition may apply to certain public safety or industrial infrastructure locations where an interruption of electric service could create a dangerous or life-threatening condition. BCEC staff will help determine eligibility based on the information provided.
Important Preparedness Reminder
Medical necessity and outage priority status helps BCEC identify members and facilities with special circumstances during system restoration. However, this designation does not guarantee uninterrupted electric service or immediate restoration after an outage, and members should always maintain a personal emergency plan.
BCEC encourages members who rely on electricity for medical needs to:
- Make sure BCEC has your current contact information and sign up for outage notifications and updates.
- Report outages promptly.
- Plug important devices into surge suppressors and consider using an uninterruptible power supply where appropriate.
- Consider a portable generator or other backup power source for extended outages.
- Notify BCEC if you use a backup generator so crews can work safely in your area.
- Keep an adequate supply of prescription medications and medical necessities available.
Apply or Update Your Status
To request an application or update your existing records, please call our office or email [email protected]. Our staff will provide the correct form and instructions for completion.
At Big Country EC, the safety and well-being of our members is always a priority. Keeping your information current helps us respond as effectively as possible when outages occur.
