LIPA Customers To See Power Bill Hike
GARDEN CITY, N.Y. (AP) -- The Long Island Power Authority said it's doubling the amount it budgets for storm damage.
As much as $50 million is being set aside to respond to storms in the 2011 budget. That's a $23 million increase over this year's reserve.
The increase means the typical customer will see bills increase $1.50 a month.
The utility said the past two storm seasons have been unusually severe.
LIPA chief operating officer Michael Hervey said he'd rather be overprepared the next time a storm threatens Long Island.
About $54 million of the $180 million spent this year on storms is expected to be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
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