Long Island Power Authority (LIPA)
The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) is the publicly owned utility that owns the electric transmission and distribution system serving Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens. Created in 1985 by the New York State Legislature, LIPA keeps the regional electric grid under public ownership while day-to-day operations are handled under contract by a private operator.
For most residents and businesses, the key distinction is simple: LIPA owns the system, while customer-facing electric service is generally provided through PSEG Long Island. Policies, rates, and service arrangements can change over time, so it is always smart to check official sources for the latest details.
Role and Responsibilities
- Owns the electric transmission and distribution infrastructure across Long Island and the Rockaway service area.
- Oversees utility management through service and operations contracts.
- Sets policy direction, reviews budgets and costs, and maintains financial responsibility for the public authority.
- Supports system reliability, storm hardening, infrastructure upgrades, and New York State clean-energy goals.
History
- 1985 – LIPA was created by New York State in response to Long Island’s unique electric and public-policy challenges, including the Shoreham nuclear controversy.
- 1998 – LIPA acquired key Long Island Lighting Company (LILCO) assets and became the region’s primary publicly owned electric authority.
- 2014 – PSEG Long Island began operating the electric system under contract, handling most day-to-day service functions on LIPA’s behalf.
Governance
LIPA is governed by a Board of Trustees under New York State law. As a public authority rather than an investor-owned utility, it does not pay shareholder dividends; revenue is used for system operations, debt obligations, infrastructure improvements, and customer programs.
Relationship with PSEG Long Island
LIPA owns the electric system, while PSEG Long Island currently manages day-to-day operations such as billing, customer service, line work, and storm response under contract. In practical terms, many customers interact with PSEG Long Island for service needs, while LIPA remains the public owner and policy-setting authority.
See more on PSEG Long Island ➝
Contact & Resources
- Official Website: https://www.lipower.org/
- Customer Service: Most billing, outage, and account-related matters are handled through PSEG Long Island.
- Headquarters: Uniondale, New York
Board materials, rate information, reports, and public notices are typically posted on LIPA’s official website. Service details and contact procedures may change, so check ahead for the most current information.
Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1985 |
| Type | Public authority / publicly owned electric utility |
| Service Area | Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the Rockaway Peninsula |
| Customer Accounts Served | About 1.1 million, through LIPA’s electric system and its operating arrangement |
| Primary Role | Owner of the electric transmission and distribution system |
Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) – Top Questions & Answers
Q: What is the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA)?
A: LIPA is a publicly owned electric utility authority. It owns the transmission and distribution system that serves Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the Rockaway Peninsula.
Q: Do I pay my electric bill to LIPA?
A: Most customers receive bills and routine customer service through PSEG Long Island, which operates the system under contract. LIPA remains the public owner of the grid.
Q: Why do both LIPA and PSEG Long Island exist?
A: LIPA owns the infrastructure and provides public oversight, while PSEG Long Island currently handles many daily operating functions. This arrangement separates ownership from operations.
Q: Who runs LIPA?
A: LIPA is governed by a Board of Trustees established under New York State law. It is a public authority, not a private utility company.
Q: Does LIPA generate electricity?
A: LIPA is best known as the owner of the electric grid rather than a traditional power-plant operator. Electricity serving Long Island comes from a mix of local generation, renewable resources, and imported power arranged through contracts and regional market connections.
Q: What is the difference between LIPA and PSEG Long Island?
A: LIPA owns the system infrastructure, including poles, wires, and substations. PSEG Long Island currently operates that system for customers on a day-to-day basis.
Q: Where does Long Island’s electricity come from?
A: Power comes from a mix of sources, including regional power plants, renewable-energy projects, and imported electricity delivered through transmission connections to the broader grid.
Q: Why was LIPA created?
A: LIPA was created in 1985 as part of New York State’s response to Long Island’s electric system challenges, especially those tied to the Shoreham project and broader concerns about cost, oversight, and long-term control of the grid.
Q: Can LIPA raise electric rates?
A: LIPA adopts rates and charges through board action and public documentation. Rate structures and timelines may change, so check official materials for the latest information.
Q: How do I contact LIPA?
A: For governance, board information, and official documents, visit lipower.org. For many routine customer needs such as billing, outages, and service requests, customers are typically directed to PSEG Long Island.
