Massapequa homeowners concerned about reimbursements from PSEG after power surge

Many say they’re not satisfied with the replacement offers they’ve heard from PSEG.

Emily Drooby

Oct 22, 2024, 2:45 AM

Updated 65 days ago

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Massapequa residents say they are grappling with losses of their personal items after a power surge shut down appliances and personal items.
Many say they’re not satisfied with the replacement offers they’ve heard from PSEG.
For some, the damage goes beyond items that can be easily replaced.
Judy McElroy says she experienced the effects firsthand.
Last week, her koi pond, once home to a thriving collection of fish, was left empty after the surge.
“I ran out to the pond, and the fish were dead,” McElroy said.
The surge also caused her fridge, computers, coffee maker and other essential household items to stop working. McElroy wasn’t the only one impacted. At least two other neighbors reported losing appliances due to the surge.
Adding to their frustration is what they’ve heard so far about potential compensation.
Resident Anette Sturmann said a PSEG claims employee mentioned that replacement items would be prorated, with rough figures offered.
Though these numbers are not final, they’ve left homeowners worried.
“What they're offering us is a prorated version of what was working just fine,” said Sturmann.
McElroy echoed the concern, saying the numbers being floated were low.
“You have no answers whatsoever. Put in the claims, and we’ll get to you. It seems like her number is $100 for everything,” McElroy said.
Resident Ben Treadwell voiced frustration with the claims process.
"My washing machine is fried and my dishwasher stopped working, they basically told me they would give me a prorated amount, which is nothing, I submitted the receipts, and I haven't heard anything back from them," he said.
In response, PSEG Long Island emphasized that claims are still under review, stating, "PSEG Long Island is aware of an incident in the Pirate’s Cove area of Massapequa where a switch failed. We responded immediately and a representative from our Claims department went to the neighborhood to speak with customers directly yesterday. The claims process is such that once a claim is submitted, the customer must also submit supporting documentation before an investigation takes place. Each claim is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Any reimbursements are made after the investigation is completed."
Residents in Pirates Cove liken this loss to the one they experienced during Superstorm Sandy, which devastated the area years ago.
“People took out loans to fix their houses. Now we have to take out loans to replace our appliances again. It’s not fair to us,” McElroy said.
PSEG is urging residents to continue the claims process, sending in their backup and work with their assigned claims consultant to resolve the situation.