By VINAYA SAKSENA

CUMBERLAND — A local couple with health issues whose electricity was shut off earlier this week will have it turned back on, according to the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers.

Pamela Ryan had been advocating on behalf of her husband Joseph to have their electricity restored since it was shut off by National Grid on Monday. Her efforts date back more than a year, during which she was trying to negotiate a payment plan with the company.
Joseph Ryan’s troubled health history includes spinal cancer and heart failure. The Ryans live on a fixed income of less than $1,600 a month. Pamela sought emergency restoration of electrical service largely because her husband’s condition requires the use of air conditioning and machines that remove allergens from the air.
The decision to restore power came a day after James Lanni, DPUC hearing officer, denied a request by Pamela Ryan for emergency restoration.
According to DPUC spokesman Thomas Kogut, Lanni agreed to the move during a hearing held Friday to work out a payment schedule. Kogut said that after news coverage of the Ryans’ situation, “several people made contact with (National Grid), indicating that they would (provide) a payment. We wanted to make sure at least that the down payment level is satisfied.”
Earlier this week, both Ryan and Kogut said the couple owed National Grid about $3,000, A down payment of $415 will go toward that debt. The power will be restored provided that the $415 is received within 14 days, a strong likelihood given public response to the Ryans’ story, Kogut said.
From then on, Kogut said, the Ryans will go on a three-year plan, paying $115 per month. Following the down payment, their next bill will go out in September, he said.
It was not clear Thursday afternoon whether the Ryans’ lights were back on; Pamela Ryan could not be reached for comment. However, Kogut said a National Grid representative had contacted an employee to have the work done, with a target time of approximately 5 p.m. Friday.