State Legislators Slam Sandy Energy Response

The chairmen of both legislative energy committees are calling for hearings into the inadequate response by utilities in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. While Con-Ed and New York State Electric and Gas are both on the  hook, the brunt of their criticism was directed at the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA).

“To find out that LIPA is using dial-up modems in their power stations to communicate information, that they’re using paper maps to find outages in a world of GPS … is devastating,” said Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, Chair of the Assembly Energy Committee.

In a move that may ease some tension, on late Tuesday afternoon, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed an Executive Order to establish a commission that will investigate the response, preparation and management of New York’s power utility companies.

WATCH VIDEO:

On the Capitol Report, Susan Arbetter reports on how the legislature is responding to the energy industry’s response to Hurricane Sandy. Video courtesy of the Capitol Report.