LIPA to spend $500M to upgrade system

  Eyewitness News' Emily Smith

(Long Island - WABC, October 17, 2006) (WABC) -- The Long Island Power Authority says it will spend $500 million dollars to reduce damage from severe storms. If it works, it's great news for anyone who uses electricity.

When Ernesto's remnants came knocking in September, it toppled trees and power lines leaving tens of thousands in the New York area without power. Thankfully, LIPA preplanned.

"We did do well this summer because we have invested heavily into the infrastructure," a LIPA official said.

LIPA says every tree on Long Island interfering with a power line will get a trim and some substations will be raised to protect against flooding.

This area's recent big storm destroyed parts of Westchester as well as leaving Con Edison working hard to restore electricity to its customers. But LIPA says Con Ed had less outages lasting for a longer period of time. Still, LIPA is gearing up to do even better on the next one.

Some Long Island residents, however, say they are concerned because the area has some of the highest electric rates in the country.

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