CONSERVING ENERGY AND PROTECTING THE PUBLIC FROM INJURY AND DEATH CAUSED BY CONTACT VOLTAGE IN OUR COMMUNITIES

WHEREAS, contact voltage has caused deaths and serious injuries across the country; and

WHEREAS, contact voltage are dangerous and wasteful leaks in electric systems; and

WHEREAS, contact voltage results from the deterioration of the underground electric distribution infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, all conductive surfaces, such as sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, manhole covers, fences, street lights, bus shelters, etc., in the public right of way can become electrified by contact voltage; and

WHEREAS, pedestrians and pets can be and have been shocked or killed from coming into contact with an electrified conductive surfaces; and

WHEREAS, contact voltage causes significant and unnecessary energy losses which damage our environment and increase our dependency on foreign energy sources; and

WHEREAS, most safety actions with respect to contact voltage are not taken until after a tragedy has occurred; and

WHEREAS, to date, only a few cities have measures in place to protect the public from contact voltage; and

WHEREAS, the Mayors are committed to ensuring safe and efficient energy distribution and the public safety of all residents of, workers in, and visitors to our communities,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors in recognition of the dangers of contact voltage to its constituents, calls on Congress and the Administration to work with cities by providing the necessary resources through programs like Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant to support the proactive detection and remediation of contact voltage to address the associated safety risk and energy loss.