Suffolk creates LIPA overview committee

The Suffolk County Legislature voted unanimously Tuesday to create a committee of experts to oversee the operations of the Long Island Power Authority.

The committee of six people will monitor LIPA on issues such as rates, budgets, power plants and its contracts with National Grid.

Legis. Edward Romaine (R-Center Moriches), who sponsored the bill, said while the committee may not have official powers to regulate LIPA, it will provide needed scrutiny where he said none now exists.

"We're sending a signal that we're going to be far more deeply involved in the operations of LIPA," Romaine said on the eve of the bill's passage."It's a first step to try to clarify some of the issues we have concerns with."

The committee will include two utility experts, a LIPA expert, two energy experts and a civic organization member. It will hold four public hearings and issue a report at year's end.

"LIPA does many good things, but we have to assure Suffolk County residents there is oversight," said Legis. Wayne Horsley (D-Babylon), who chairs the county's legislative energy committee.

LIPA bridled at the news. "We do not see the need to spend more taxpayer resources to create another level of government," it said in a statement. "We are also responsive to and appear before both Suffolk and Nassau County Energy Committees when asked," LIPA said.

LIPA in the past has lobbied against efforts to increase oversight. Last year, it helped defeat a state bill that would have made it subject to Public Service Commission review for rate hikes topping 2.5 percent.

One lawmaker who early in Tuesday's session argued strenuously against the bill was Legis. Louis D'Amaro (D-Huntington Station). "We don't have the jurisdiction to conduct the review," he said. "I question whether it's an effective use of resources and time." But D'Amaro later recused himself from the vote, noting that he is an of-counsel attorney for Rivkin Radler, a Uniondale firm that represents LIPA.

Romaine said the panel's first task will be to weigh in on a LIPA review of future power plant and operating agreements with National Grid. He also wants the committee to examine why LIPA never followed through on a stipulation when it formed that its trustees be elected. They are appointed by members of the state senate, assembly and governor.

Legis. John M. Kennedy Jr. (R-Nesconset) said he wants the panel to take aim at typical LIPA bills, which "are difficult for a PhD economist to understand."