Suffolk: Form required to authorize power in flood zones

Homeowners in flood zones will be required by LIPA to provide an "authorization to energize" form approved by an electrical inspection agency in order to get power back, according to Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone's office.

"Given the large number of homes impacted by Hurricane Sandy, the process which LIPA requires to ensure public safety could leave a significant number of homes without power for an extended period of time," he said in a storm status update issued at 11 a.m.

According to the update, Suffolk County is coordinating with LIPA, FEMA, New York State and towns to facilitate the inspection at no cost to homeowners in the affected areas.

"In addition, Suffolk County is coordinating with townships to pair electrical inspectors with Code Enforcement, Building Inspectors, Fire Marshal's, and State assets to assess whether homes are safe to repower," according to the update. "The intent is to expedite power restoration to homes in the affected areas."