The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) announced last week they are going to raise our rates another 3%. This increase was made with only six days notice.

Since 2001, LIPA has increased our rates seven times, totaling more than 34%.

Senator Hannon said, "LIPA has included costs within its fuel surcharge which are not part of the industry standard and which the Public Service Commission (PSC) would not allow other utilities to include in a fuel surcharge. Therefore, we worked to find a legislative remedy to this problem."

Businesses and home owners are paying surcharges equal to that of their energy usage. "The costs included within LIPA's fuel surcharge should have been subject to a public review to prove whether the charges were justified," stated Senator Hannon.

The bill mandates LIPA go before the PSC before issuing rate increases exceeding 2.5% over a 12 month period. This includes an extension or reestablishment of temporary rate increases over 2.5%.

With this legislation, LIPA will have to gain approval by the PSC after a full evidentiary hearing - something they have not done. Long Islanders will benefit from a comprehensive review of LIPA's practices before they ask for a rate increase.

"This bill will be sent to the Governor, and I urge him to sign it into law so we can begin this process as soon as possible," added Senator Hannon.