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Communication Gap Nearly Shuts Off Electricity, Life-Saving Respirator
Power Bill Grew To $1,200
UPDATED: 4:05 pm CDT April 22,
2008
RICHLAND CENTER, Wis. -- Electricity is a human necessity these days, but for some people, it can mean the difference between life and death.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportThat is the situation at the Hihn home in Richland Center. The power was on Monday night at the Hihn home, but only after the power company canceled its disconnection notice, WISC-TV reported."One night you get a phone call that your son is in the hospital, and your life changes just like that," said Miriam Hihn.Hihn's 24-year-old son Jerard survived a car crash two years ago that left him a quadriplegic. Now, the Hihns rely on electricity to power the machines that help keep him alive, like his respirator. Another machine runs a special bed that alternates pressure around his body.The Hihns said not long after they brought Jerard home, they began having trouble paying their bills, including the electric bill."For a while, I thought they wouldn't cut us off so I wasn't paying as much as I was," said Hihn.After months of making small payments, but not paying it off, the bill snowballed into $1,200. In April, the Hihns received a disconnection notice from the Richland Electric Cooperative."I think it was just a miscommunication," said REC Chief Executive Officer Shannon Clark.Clark said the Hihns were sent the notice because the company wasn't aware of the medical situation."As long as we know that there's medical necessity out there, it pretty much takes away the disconnect option," she said.For the Hihns, that's good news."I just wanted to have them keep the power on so I can keep him home and healthy," said Hihn.Hihn said she will continue to pay what she can to ensure the life-saving machines stay on."They've pretty much told us that this is what to expect for the rest of his life. So, of course as a mother, I want to make that as normal and as comfortable as possible," she said.Richland Electric Cooperative officials said that they will not disconnect power to the Hihns' home and will work with the family and local organizations to pay off the $1,200 balance.Clark said she urges families with medical needs involving machines to contact the power company to make them aware that power is needed at all times, especially during storms.To donate to the family, contact Community First Bank in Richland Center about the Jerard William Hihn Trust Fund.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportThat is the situation at the Hihn home in Richland Center. The power was on Monday night at the Hihn home, but only after the power company canceled its disconnection notice, WISC-TV reported."One night you get a phone call that your son is in the hospital, and your life changes just like that," said Miriam Hihn.Hihn's 24-year-old son Jerard survived a car crash two years ago that left him a quadriplegic. Now, the Hihns rely on electricity to power the machines that help keep him alive, like his respirator. Another machine runs a special bed that alternates pressure around his body.The Hihns said not long after they brought Jerard home, they began having trouble paying their bills, including the electric bill."For a while, I thought they wouldn't cut us off so I wasn't paying as much as I was," said Hihn.After months of making small payments, but not paying it off, the bill snowballed into $1,200. In April, the Hihns received a disconnection notice from the Richland Electric Cooperative."I think it was just a miscommunication," said REC Chief Executive Officer Shannon Clark.Clark said the Hihns were sent the notice because the company wasn't aware of the medical situation."As long as we know that there's medical necessity out there, it pretty much takes away the disconnect option," she said.For the Hihns, that's good news."I just wanted to have them keep the power on so I can keep him home and healthy," said Hihn.Hihn said she will continue to pay what she can to ensure the life-saving machines stay on."They've pretty much told us that this is what to expect for the rest of his life. So, of course as a mother, I want to make that as normal and as comfortable as possible," she said.Richland Electric Cooperative officials said that they will not disconnect power to the Hihns' home and will work with the family and local organizations to pay off the $1,200 balance.Clark said she urges families with medical needs involving machines to contact the power company to make them aware that power is needed at all times, especially during storms.To donate to the family, contact Community First Bank in Richland Center about the Jerard William Hihn Trust Fund. Copyright 2008 by Channel 3000. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
