Assemblyman John Mikulin (R,C,I-Bethpage) is encouraging the public to participate in upcoming virtual public hearings regarding the potential public takeover of private utility companies on Long Island following concerns over service, rates and safety. Specifically, the state is considering a takeover of New York American Water, which is currently considering negotiating a sale to Liberty Utilities Co.

“Water is a resource that we cannot live without, yet for too long some residents in my district pay much more than others for water. The state is seeking to investigate the situation more thoroughly before another private sale goes forward in order to better protect Long Island residents and businesses, so I encourage the public to participate and have their voices heard,” said Mikulin. “There will be three virtual forums, and you can register ahead of time to attend one. The virtual forum in East Massapequa will be held on February 24, so please register now.”

All three virtual forums will be held by the Special Counsel for Ratepayer Protection at the Department of Public Service next week over three evenings. On Tuesday, February 23, a meeting will be held in the Sea Cliff area, on Wednesday, February 24, one will be held in the east Massapequa area, and on Thursday, February 25, the last will be held in the southwest Nassau County area. All meetings will begin at 6 p.m.

To participate virtually or learn more, please go to the department’s website at www.dps.ny.gov, select the “Search” function from the main menu bar across the top of the website, and then on the new page enter Case Number 20-W-0102 in the input box labeled “Search for Case/Matter Number.” A new page will open with all the search results for this issue. You can also enter your comments into public record on this page as well by selecting “post comments” on the upper right-hand side of the page (above the case number).