State Sen. Jim Gaughran, of Northport, has introduced a bill that would give the New York State Public Service Commission the ability to conduct an investigation into PSEG LI's storm response and levy fines if there is wrongdoing.
Following hearings earlier this week with state lawmakers about the response from utility companies after Tropical Isiaias blew across the Island, Gaughran says accountability is one of the biggest issues that needs to be corrected.
He says the state has no oversight capabilities over PSEG LI because of the way LIPA and PSEG are structured, which has left PSEG out of control and with little government oversight.
Gaughran says the commission has the ability to conduct investigations for every other utility in the state such as Con Edison, National Grid and American Water.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo previously blocked the top management from collecting $10 million in bonuses.
Linda Giordano, of Bayville, says trying to get a response from PSEG and other utilities after Isaias was next to impossible.
LIPA officials have also told News 12 it will cost more than $350 million for the cleanup and while they expect FEMA to pay about $260 million of it, that leaves more than $90 million for ratepayers.
News 12 reached out to PSEG for a response to Gaughran's bill.