HICKSVILLE, N.Y. – More than 70,000 customers of Long Island Power Authority in New York are still without electricity two weeks after Superstorm Sandy struck, and the often-criticized government entity mostly blames factors beyond its control.
LIPA is a nonprofit whose board is chosen by the governor and legislative leaders. The utility says it restored power to nearly 1.1 million customers Monday morning. Of those still in the dark, 46,300 mainly along Long Island's south shore and Rockaway Peninsula had water damage to electrical panels and wiring. Their service can't be restored without an inspection and possibly repairs.
State officials have criticized the utility for poor customer communications after Tropical Storm Irene last year and for insufficient tree trimming maintenance. LIPA contracts with National Grid for service and maintenance.
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