LIA award recipient defended

The Long Island Association has decided to give its Medal of Honor award this year to Tom King, president of National Grid, and to the employees of the utility at the LIA's annual dinner May 20. But in recent weeks National Grid has come under criticism for billing practices.

All unfortunate, said LIA president Kevin Law, who before taking the post with Long Island's largest business and civic group was chief executive of the Long Island Power Authority.

Law said the decision by the association's board to give King and National Grid the award was made in January, but even so, he would have made the same decision today.

"The timing is just unfortunate," Law said. The award is being given, he said, because National Grid "is a major employer on Long Island and the employees of the Grid do a terrific job of keeping the lights on for Long Islanders, and they are involved in so many different nonprofit organizations."

There is heightened concern over National Grid's storm billing procedures, which last year saw tabs balloon to $223 million, more than four times what they have been in previous years. LIPA has been contesting charges for Hurricane Earl, which largely missed Long Island.

LIPA trustees have approved plans for a new director of internal audit to review charges from National Grid.

Sheldon Sackstein, chairman of the business group Action Long Island, of Melville, said the selection for the award raised concerns about a perhaps too cozy relationship between the former LIPA chief executive and King. The LIA, Sackstein said, "may not have made the right choice."

Law said there was "nothing untoward" about the award. "Throughout the country, utilities and business organizations go hand in hand," he said.

Peter Maniscalco of Manorville, an environmental educator and activist, said the timing was "awkward." It raises questions about whether the LIA is trying to influence the choice of a new management company for LIPA's transmission and distribution business, Maniscalco said. National Grid currently provides the services to LIPA, but the contract expires in 2013.

Joe Rende, a National Grid vice president, said the awarded is being given "to recognize employees" at the utility. "This is an event that recognizes all their years of service."