PSEG Long Island says it's ready for Elsa, but some Long Islanders are skeptical.
The utility company is bracing for the first big weather event in the wake of its recent agreement with LIPA that calls for new levels of preparedness, performance and transparency.
When asked if the utility is ready Michael Sullivan, of PSEG Long Island, says, "The one-word answer to that is yes. We are ready."
PSEG has been the subject of criticism from public officials and LIPA following its disastrous response to Tropical Storm Isaias last August.
More than 535,000 customers were left in the dark. Some towns, such as East Meadow, faced power outages for over a week. Residents say this has caused them frustration with the company.
Christine Yerkes, of East Meadow, says she hopes she doesn't lose power. Yerkes and other residents say they couldn't get through to the company.
"They don't talk to you," says Yerkes. "It's just a recording like you get nobody on the phone."
PSEG Long Island blamed the problem on its communication software and procedures.
This time, the company says it's improved communication and that it has additional personnel ready to respond to Elsa.
"So, we shouldn't have the software problems we had during Isias," says Sullivan. "We have tested the system we have in place today to levels above Isias. We should not see the same problems we saw during Isias."
The company says it also performed system checks on Thursday.
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