Statement From Senator Fuschillo: Governor Wrong To Veto Law Providing Oversight Of Lipa Rate Increases

Charles J. Fuschillo Jr.

September 8, 2008

I am extremely disappointed that Governor David Paterson vetoed a proposed law that would have prevented the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) from imposing large rate increases without a state review process.   Equally troubling is the fact that the LIPA administration aggressively opposed this legislation that would have held it accountable to ratepayers. 
  
The proposed law would have protected both homeowners and businesses from unfair rate hikes and provided greater scrutiny of LIPA’s rate increase practices.  

Under the proposed law, a comprehensive review would be performed by the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) before any LIPA increase requests above 2.5 percent could be approved.    
  
LIPA's most recent rate increase of three percent is a perfect example of why we need this law.  That decision should have been subject to a public review to prove whether the increase was justified.      

LIPA ratepayers deserve to know why their rates are being raised.  I will continue to fight for enactment of this legislation to provide oversight of LIPA’s rate increase practices. 
  

BILL TEXT:

TO SEND AN EMAIL TO SENATOR FUSCHILLO, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE REGULAR UPDATES FROM SENATOR FUSCHILLO, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Newsroom

Go to Newsroom