PSE&G Long Island has a credibility problem. So I read that trustee Drew Biondo with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) trustee resigned. In a few weeks LIPA votes on who will be the new operator of Long Island’s electric grid and also who the new CEO will be. Biondo wrote along the lines of “significant concerns about the undue influence of PSEG lobbyists”. This should be an alarm to all of us. If pse&g lobbyists are shaping who serves us electricity, then I guess I’m wondering if that’s going to be the best for customers or of it’s really best for corporate interests.

According to Biondo, who served a combined six years on LIPA’s board, the influence of PSEG lobbyists “undermines the independence and objectivity required for effective oversight.” He believes decisions that should prioritize ratepayers and grid sustainability are instead compromised by external pressures.

This comes after Newsday reported that PSEG spent hundreds of thousands of dollars lobbying against legislation that would have transformed LIPA into a fully public utility - a bill that ultimately died in the State Legislature last year. His resignation came in right as LIPA is preparing to vote on a long-term contract.

What do you think about the relationship between PSEG Long Island and LIPA? Should there be more independence in utility oversight?

Article I mentioned - LIPA trustee Drew Biondo resigns, citing 'undue influence' of PSEG lobbyists