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NZ woman dies after power cut off -media

30 May 2007 06:50:24 GMT
Source: Reuters

WELLINGTON, May 30 (Reuters) - A New Zealand woman on an oxygen machine died after her electricity was cut off for being late paying the bill, local media said on Wednesday.

The family of Folole Muliaga, 44, from Auckland, said she urged an electricity company worker not to turn off the power as it was needed to operate her oxygen machine, said New Zealand Press Association.

Muliaga died a few hours after her power was cut on Tuesday.

"They came to the house and they were aware of the circumstances when it (the power) was cut off," said family spokesman Brenden Sheehan.

However, the power company, Mercury Energy, said in a statement: "We were simply unaware that loss of electricity to the household was putting a vulnerable customer at risk."

Police are investigating the case.

"I do think it is important that the facts are established before people rush to judgement," said State Owned Enterprises Minister Trevor Mallard.

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Last updated:Wed May 30 06:52:00 2007