Free East Hills event on coping with power outages

In response to growing frustration about power outages after superstorm Sandy, village officials in East Hills have set up “Power Day,” a daylong event scheduled for Sunday to educate residents about installing generators and alternative sources of energy.

More than 400 residents have signed up for the day, said Clara Pomerantz, a village trustee who spearheaded the event. The village will host at least 20 energy-related companies, and classes will be offered. Classes will be held at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., and later in the afternoon at 1 and 2 p.m. in the theater at The Park at East Hills. Residents can meet with vendors in Village Hall, which is on the grounds of the park, and directly outside in a tent.

The village has eased the process for installing generators, last week waiving permitting fees for purchasing generators until March, and for installing them until June.

“We decided as a board that we cannot rely on our utility company,” said Pomerantz. “We have to be a little more independent.”

Pomerantz said residents who show up Sunday “will not be turned away,” and added that the event is free of charge.

Above: People in New York's Tribeca neighborhood, without power because of superstorm Sandy, wait for a chance to charge their mobile phones on an available generator setup on a sidewalk. (Oct. 30, 2012)