Community Watchdog: Problems with a LIPA bill

I received an electric bill dated Feb. 3, 2010 for $1,096.45, which includes a past balance. On March 4, I received another bill in the amount of $5,580.01. I called LIPA and they sent a high consumption analyst to evaluate the electrical usage. Based on his observation and evaluation of my home, he concluded that it is impossible for me to consume that amount of energy. LIPA has changed the meter and conducted another reading, but I have not been able to resolve this issue despite my numerous contacts with LIPA. My last communication with LIPA was June 8, and I just received notice they want to cut off my electricity.

-Jasmine Puranda, Deer Park

We understand Ms. Puranda's distress in seeing an enormous jump in her utility bill. When we called about her complaint, LIPA spokesman Mark Gross immediately made arrangements for the electricity to remain on because the bill is in dispute.

But LIPA insists the amount Puranda was billed is correct. And Puranda is adamant she couldn't have used the amount of electricity she's being charged. There's also a disagreement between LIPA and Puranda about the number and type of televisions she has and her use of space heaters.

In the more than four years she's lived in her home, her LIPA bills have never come close to the amount LIPA says she owes.

"Because Ms. Puranda needed further clarification about her bill, we reached out to her and set up a meeting for her to come in and speak directly to the billing supervisors," Gross said. "We're going to try to help her out." That may mean a scheduled payment plan for the outstanding balance, which Puranda believes she shouldn't be paying. Stay tuned.

LIPA customers with billing questions should call 800-490-0025.

Trees were cut down

My backyard abuts the LIRR tracks and my property line extends 4 feet beyond my fence. Last year, the railroad hired a company to take down trees on LIRR property near the tracks. I saw the workers and told one of them that I didn't want the trees on my property (outside the fence) cut down because that's my buffer from the trains. He said he would tell the other workers, but despite my warning, they cut down two trees before I could stop them. Since then, I've been trying to get them to replace those trees. LIRR refused my claim for damages, saying the contractor is responsible. The contractor has been telling me for more than eight months he would replace the trees but he hasn't kept his word.

-Jay Lesser, Syosset

Long Island Rail Road officials are just as upset about this as you are, Mr. Lesser. LIRR policy is that if the contractor does the damage, the contractor fixes the problem. Since the contractor was hired by the railroad, we asked the LIRR to see what they could do about righting this wrong for Lesser.

In an e-mail, LIRR spokesman Salvatore Arena wrote, "Although the LIRR's contractor is responsible for the damage to Mr. Lesser's property, the LIRR was very disappointed to learn that the company had failed to address Mr. Lesser's complaint, as we had been assured that they would do so. The LIRR has again pressed the company to rectify the situation. A company representative acknowledged they were at fault and promised that Mr. Lesser would be contacted soon and compensated for the cost of replacing the trees."

We hope the contractor acts responsibly and replaces Lesser's trees. Stay tuned.

Speeders pose danger

I have a problem with speeding on Burgess Avenue, a through street from the eastbound service road of Sunrise Highway to Route 109. There is only one stop sign two blocks away, and by the time drivers get to it, they are doing 50 mph. I've called the Town of Babylon and had an "autistic child in area" sign installed because of my son, but it doesn't seem to slow down anyone.

-Tina McGovern, West Babylon

After we spoke with town spokesman Tim Ruggeri, he said a study will be done this fall to determine if additional traffic control devices are needed. The town's last traffic study there was done in 2001 at the request of residents. As a result of that study, the intersection of Burgess and Nims avenues became an all-way stop.

"Enough time has passed since the last study," Ruggeri said. "As Burgess Avenue is a road that is affected by school-related traffic flows, it would probably be best suited to be conducted during the school year."

Meanwhile, Sgt. John Pizzuro of Suffolk's First Precinct community policing unit said officers would add Burgess Avenue to the unit's roster of traffic patrol posts to deter speeding.

"It appears vehicles familiar with the area utilize this roadway as a shortcut," Pizzuro said.

First Precinct residents with concerns about speeding should call 631-854-8100.