(MINEOLA, NY) August 10, 2020 - Nassau County Executive Curran turned up the heat on PSEG Long Island, calling on the public utility to reimburse residents and businesses that have endured unacceptable power outages lasting over 24 hours, as well as refund ratepayers on their last month’s utility bill.
“Being without power is a hardship,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. “This is especially true during the summer months and even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic when so many Long Island residents are out of work or working from home. That’s why I’m calling on PSEG Long Island to help right some of the wrongs to their botched and totally inadequate storm response.”
Curran was joined by members from Long Island’s New York State Senate delegation, who noted that Long Island has suffered more power outages than any other region in the State. Curran also co-wrote a letter with Congresswoman Kathleen Rice
“It’s clear that PSEG was not prepared to respond to a storm that was predicted to be much worse and they must be held accountable,” said Curran. “We are all thankful for the hardworking line crews and utility workers that worked tirelessly to help get Long Islanders back on-line, but this company’s leadership must pay, and it must be done without passing the buck to taxpayers.”
More than 400,000 total power failures were projected and an estimated 140,000 Long Islanders were left without electricity over 24 hours after Tropical Storm Isaias passed.