Letter to the Editor: LIPA's Actions 'Inexcusable'

This was submitted to the editor by Jason from Woodmere

Like a majority of residents in the Five Towns, my neighborhood lost power last Monday evening during Hurricane Sandy. A full 10 days later, we are finally back on the grid. I understand that LIPA has a huge task on it's hands, but the lack of communication on the part of LIPA is inexcusable.

There is no longer any communication from LIPA, none. Originally, Woodmere residents were told to expect power "late Wednesday evening." That time came and went. With the outage map taken off the LIpower.org site, there is no longer any way for those still without power to get an estimate on when they might be up and running again.

The boiling point for me hit when I attempted to call the LIPA emergency down power line number the morning after the nor'easter to report a down high-voltage line. After a 10 minute automated speech about restoration, the system simply hung up on me. Remember, this is their emergency hotline, and it is hanging up on people.

I have had enough. I want answers, and I want them now.

I urge upset residents to open a complain with the New York State Dept. of Consumer Protection. They are taking names and numbers of residents who feel that LIPA has failed them. I don't know if anything will come of it, but it's all we can do right now.

Call them at 1-800-697-1220, or if you can find a computer with internet, head to https://www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection/form/complaintform.asp.