Plugging in to LIPA: Kevin Law Talks About the Challenges Ahead As the New Chairman of LI’s Utility Agency

By James Bernstein, Newsday, Melville, N.Y.

Jan. 30–Kevin Law, Suffolk’s chief deputy county executive, was appointed chairman of the Long Island Power Authority last week, and later this year he will become the agency’s chief executive, replacing Richard Kessel. The 46-year-old Law faces a raft of critical issues, including the pending takeover of key utility company KeySpan by London-based National Grid, how to lower rates and how to make LIPA more open to the public. He spoke yesterday to Newsday reporter James Bernstein.

What plans do you have for your new job?

First of all, I’m looking to make LIPA and its operations as transparent as possible. I really want to continue down the path that I think the current LIPA organization has laid out and really create an energy master plan for the Island that addresses our growing appetite for energy.

What kind of plan do you have in mind?

We have to, overall. continue to look at the way we are obtaining our energy supplies and look at re-powering opportunities, where we take the existing generating facilities that are emitting pollutants into the air, and where a lot are fueled by oil, and turn them into facilities powered by natural gas.

That would be aimed at reducing our dependence on foreign oil?

Yes. Natural gas could be tapped from Canada or the Gulf [of Mexico] area. Natural gas is certainly cleaner.

What’s your feeling about the pending takeover of KeySpan by National Grid of London?

It is probably one of the biggest decisions facing the Long Island community in many, many years. We are talking about moving from a locally based corporation with hands-on managers to an international private company whose track record is not yet known on Long Island. It’s critical we scrutinize the deal top-to-bottom to make sure that our reliability is going to be maintained and our rates will be protected.

Is it a done deal yet?

It’s not a done deal yet. It needs approval from the PSC [Public Service Commission]. Until we’re satisfied there is going to be reliability and ratepayers will be protected, I’m not going to support the deal.

Can you elaborate?

I’m saying this in a positive way. I want to see those goals obtained. I’m looking for agreements in writing on these issues.

Critics have complained about the lack of transparency at LIPA. How do you feel?

LIPA is a public agency, and I want to make sure the information we have is shared by the public. I don’t want Newsday to have to submit a FOIA [Freedom of Information Act request] every time they want information. I want to be more open-minded about sharing the information from our deliberations.

So what steps are you going to take in that regard?

As chairman I’m going to institute new policies.

Could you talk about some of them?

Just stay tuned.

Long Island has always had the reputation as having among the highest utility rates in the country. What are you going to do about those rates?

When LILCO [Long Island Lighting Company] was around, we had the reputation of having [among the highest] rates in the country. Now we still have [among the highest] rates in the country. The primary problem is the cost of foreign oil. But all that notwithstanding, I want to look at everything, including all expenses, and see where we could be cutting costs.

How do you address concerns about continuing to hold your post as Suffolk’s chief deputy county executive while also serving as LIPA chairman?

I’m not concerned about it. My job will be to protect the ratepayers, and they’re one and the same as the taxpayers. LIPA is a public authority. It was envisioned that there would be government officials on its board. I’m also not going to be receiving a salary [as LIPA chairman]. This is going to be a great sacrifice to my family, wearing two hats. [Law will become LIPA's chief executive in the fall, when the current chief executive, Richard Kessel, steps down. Law will then leave his post with Suffolk County and receive a LIPA salary.]

How are you going to balance your time?

It’s going to be tough. I’ve got two little boys. But I’ve always been able to strike a balance [between home life and work], and I’ll continue to do so. The fall will be here before you know it, and I’ll be going to LIPA full-time. But before that it’s going to be a little crazy.

Do you have any position on Broadwater, the proposed liquefied natural gas facility that would be placed in the middle of Long Island Sound?

I’m not going to discuss any personal opinions other than to say all the proposed energy projects and the proposed [KeySpan-National Grid] merger will be seriously examined, and I will take a position shortly.

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Copyright (c) 2007, Newsday, Melville, N.Y.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News.

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