More Controversy Caused by LIPA in the Aftermath of Hurricane Sandy

A controversy is erupting in relationship to restoring power throughout Nassau County which effects Point Lookout, NY. Over the past few days we have tendered many questions relating to the restoration of gas and electrical service in the community. The most common question is when service will be restored, followed by questions pertaining to the process to have utilities restored to homes and businesses. LIPA, whose power map has incorrectly indicated that Point Lookout has electricity restored all week, has determined that homes & business in their determined "flood zone" will require inspection before re-establishing gas & electricity service.Many Nassau residents have questions concerning power restoration in areas that have experienced flooding during Hurricane Sandy. Neighbors want to know whether LIPA, the county, towns or villages are responsible for executing a power restoration plan to homes and other buildings in those “flood zones.”

In essence, LIPA would place the burden to restore service on the account holder. They would require that you contact them and expect you to sit in the cold & dark until they can conduct their inspection. Instead, the Point Lookout/Lido Fire Department has initiated inspections this week in Point Lookout.

Information for Point Lookout Residents Looking to Restore Gas & Electric Service

Many Nassau residents have questions concerning power restoration in areas that have experienced flooding during Hurricane Sandy. Neighbors want to know whether LIPA, the county, towns or villages are responsible for executing a power restoration plan to homes and other buildings in those “flood zones.”

What’s Happening/Who’s Affected?

As a necessary safety measure to protect homes from extremely serious dangers associated with electrical wiring which has become wet, LIPA has designated geographic areas where flooding was widespread during Hurricane Sandy. Homes and other structures within those areas are required to have electrical systems inspected before LIPA can safely restore power.

The properties affected by the inspection requirement are all structures south of Merrick Road and east of the Meadowbrook Parkway, as well as, all properties that are south of Atlantic Avenue and west of the Meadowbrook Parkway.

Some of the communities included in this area are:

Baldwin

Hewlett Neck

Oceanside

Baldwin Harbor

Inwood

Point Lookout

Cedarhurst

Island Park

Seaford

Barnum Island

Lawrence

South Valley Stream

East Rockaway

Lido Beach

Valley Stream

Hewlett

Long Beach

Wantagh

Hewlett Bay Park

Lynbrook

Woodmere

Hewlett Harbor

Merrick

Woodsburgh

Portions of the above communities that are north of Merrick Road that have experienced water intrusion into their electric facilities (or Atlantic Avenue, west of Freeport) are also subject to this requirement.

How Will My Electrical System Be Checked, Who Will Do the Work?

Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano took the pro-active step of partnering with Empire Electrical Inspectors of New York, a private contractor, to assist LIPA in restoring power to homes throughout the County. The contractor will inspect the electrical systems of all structures in areas where flooding was widespread. 

What If My Electrical System Is Okay?

If a building’s electrical system has not become wet, the private contractor will notify LIPA that electrical power can safely be restored.

What If My Electrical System Is Not Okay?

If an electrical system is determined to have become wet and the system cannot be re-energized safely, the homeowner will need to hire a licensed electrician to make necessary repairs. The electrician will them arrange for a private certified electrical inspector to perform an inspection and issue a certificate of inspection. The property owner would then supply a copy of the certificate to LIPA to have power restored.

The Good News: Inspections Are Free

The good news regarding the electrical inspections is that there is no cost to homeowners. Homeowners must only sign a company liability waiver to take advantage of the no-cost inspections.

When Will Inspections Occur?

Hundreds of people working under Empire Electrical Inspectors are going door-to-door now in communities in the areas described above and in other towns. Updated information on the time frame for the contractor to complete work in the town and the entire county will be forthcoming.

Do I Need Any Government Inspections?

Inspections of electrical systems are being performed by the private contractor. In the event repairs are required, no town inspections are required for direct replacement of electrical components. All repairs must be made by a licensed electrician. Homeowners will need to have a private certified electrical inspector examine repair work and provide an electrical inspection certificate before LIPA will restore power. 

Re-Printed from the Point Lookout Civic Association