My Electric Service

If after browsing our frequently asked questions, you still have a question, feel free to contact us. Call 1-800-490-0025 or 631-755-6000- Monday - Friday: 8:00am to 8:00pm, except holidays.

What is the difference between LIPA and National Grid?
LIPA supplies electric service and National Grid provides natural gas.

What do I do when my lights go out?
You can report an electric service problem online by clicking here or you can call 800-490-0075. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist you. You can help us handle your call more efficiently if you give us the following information:

  • Your Home Telephone Number
  • Your Specific Problem
  • Your Address

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What is LIPA doing concerning reliability?
LIPA dedicates itself to providing Long Island with a safe, reliable supply of electricity. To do this, we have a number of proactive programs in place that help reduce electric outages and improve safety. Our most effective program in this area is our Forestry Program, which features line clearance (trimming tree branches away from electric wires). LIPA has been named a Tree Line USA utility by the National Arbor Day Foundation. LIPA is the only electric utility in New York State and one of only 38 utilities nationwide to achieve this distinction. the Tree Line USA program recognizes utilities that meet three requirements: a program of quality tree care, annual worker training, and a tree planting and public education. Better tree care means beautiful trees for the future and savings for the company and its customers.

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Does LIPA trim trees?
Yes, we have a comprehensive Tree Trimming Program that focuses on clearing trees along an entire electrical circuit, which can be several miles long. Circuits that experience the most outages are handled first. This is our most effective way of reducing outages to a majority of customers. Line clearance work is performed all year long. LIPA’s response to individual line clearance requests is limited to emergencies, for example, a tree limb actually leaning on a LIPA wire or causing a downed electrical wire. LIPA does not remove dead or dying trees from private property. Homeowners must provide for their removal.

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Whose responsibility is it to repair damage that happens to a home’s electrical system?
The Service Line is the wire that generally runs from the utility pole to the top of a house. It’s LIPA’s job to maintain the service line from the pole to the house and its connections, and repair it when necessary. The entrance cable connects to the LIPA service wire at the top of the house and runs down to the meter pan, and from the meter pan to the service panel inside the home. The entrance cable is considered part of the home’s wiring. If the entrance cable is damaged, it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to have the cable repaired by a licensed electrician. If damaged, the entrance cable must be repaired before LIPA can safely restore service to your home. The point of attachment, which consists of the weatherhead and an eyebolt, is also the homeowner’s responsibility. Should you have any questions regarding this process, please call our Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-490-0025.

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What do I do when I get a notice that my meter needs to be read?
We have several options available to you to make reading your meter more convenient, which include: Calling our I.V.R. (Interactive Voice Response) number up to three days prior to the schedule meter reading date on your bill to give us your reading. You may call 1-800-490-0025 any time and please have your account number and meter reading ready when you call. Calling us at 1-800-490-0025 to arrange a special appointment. Or visiting Online Account Services to enter your meter reading at your convenience.

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Who owns the electric meter pan?
It is LIPA’s responsibility to keep your METER in good working order, however, the metal base or meter pan, the connections inside this pan, and everything below the meter and meter pan belong to and are the responsibility of the homeowner. A licensed electrician should make any necessary repairs to the meter pan.

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How do I arrange to turn on or off my electric service?
When opening a new account in a location (commercial building or residence) that already has electric service, please call us at least 24 hours prior to the time you want your service started. New service connections are done Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Please have the following information ready when you call: your new and previous address: new home and business phone number, if available; and information to provide meter access, if necessary.

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Why did LIPA stop mailing Customer Reading Cards?
Beginning January 2003, technological advances presented LIPA the opportunity to allow customers to enter electric meter readings via an Automated Telephone System or through the LIPA Web site (www.lipower.org). The Automated Telephone System number (IVR), (1-800-490-0015) and the Web site are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Why is LIPA charging a Service Initiation Charge?
In the past, costs associated with the Service Initiation Charge have been absorbed by all ratepayers. These costs have now been separated so that the customers who initiate the service bear the expense of sending a serviceperson to turn on electric service.

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What is Long Island Choice?
LIPA established Long Island Choice to give our customers the opportunity to choose their own electricity supplier. LIPA is encouraging competition and believes it will be benefit both residential and commercial customers by providing the ability to choose a supplier and possibly purchase electricity at a lower cost. Enrollment began in the summer of 1999.

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What are PCBs?
The term PCBs is an abbreviation used for a family of chemicals called PolyChlorinated Biphenyls. There are 209 different polychlorinated biphenyls in the PCB family, with each composed of carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine in a particular pattern.

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What special services does LIPA provide?

  • Hearing/Speech Impaired (TTY) -  (631)755-6660
  • Friendly Follow Up Program- third party notification - 1-800-490-0025
  • Call Before you Dig- Excavation Information - 1-800-272-4480
  • Advocates for Consumer Education (Speakers Bureau) - 1-800-738-5667
  • Eye Saver Services- large print and Braille bills - 1-800-490-0025
  • Customers on Life Support - 1-800-490-0025
  • View full list

Is LIPA giving rebates on any appliances?
Yes. Information regarding rebates on appliances can be obtained by calling our Infoline at 1-800-692-2626 or by visiting our Clean Energy section of this Web site. Our Energy Conservation section of this Web site has information on rebates.

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FAQs