Wellington  - The family of a woman who died after a power company disconnected her oxygen machine intends to sue for compensation, according to reports Tuesday.

Folole Muliaga, 44, had been receiving oxygen support at her home in Mangere, a suburb in New Zealand's largest city of Auckland, when her power was cut in May 2007.

Meridian Energy claimed the woman had not paid her bill of 168.4 New Zealand dollars (115 US dollars).

A coroner's report released midday Tuesday attributed her death to the cessation of the oxygen machine and associated stress.

Muliaga family spokesman Brenden Sheehan told the New Zealand Herald website that the family would "instruct solicitors to explore all legal avenues."

"The coroner established there was a cause and effect over her death, and that Mercury Energy didn't follow the guidelines of the Electricity Commission," Sheehan said.

A family lawyer said that while she was pleased that Mercury Energy had improved its procedures for unwell and vulnerable customers, it had a legal obligation to do so before Muliaga's death.

The coroner also criticized the power company for not having adequate regard for the family's welfare or financial hardship, particularly after the husband told the company that his wife, the account holder and household's main breadwinner, was in hospital.

The coroner's report states that the Muliaga family came to New Zealand from Samoa in 2000, "for a better life."

The husband now cares for their four children. (dpa)