Lawmakers say PSEG should reimburse for medication, perishable food

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and six Long Island state senators on Monday called on PSEG to reimburse residents for perishable food and medication lost in nearly a week without power, slamming the utility company for its poor communication and slow removal of downed power lines.

Curran, a Democrat who wrote two letters to the power company, said she also would like PSEG to refund one month’s utility bill for residents and businesses who experienced outages of more than 24 hours.

Sen. Kevin Thomas (D-Garden City) said he spent all weekend speaking with stressed residents, many of them seniors. He said one of his constituents lost her husband to COVID-19, and she continues to be the sole caregiver for her elderly mother, who relies on oxygen. Their home was without power for five days, and PSEG told the woman to take her elderly mother to a hospital, he said.

“It is absolutely heartbreaking and horrific what PSEG customers like her are having to go through,” Thomas said.

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