Power overcharges at storm-damaged home

Power overcharges at storm-damaged home

Jessica and Mike Becak of Merrick, Long Island, have dealt with a hectic few months. They're staying in an extra bedroom at a relative's home with a 20-month-old and a newborn in tow. Their brand-new dream home was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy.

Here's the thing: the house is still in ruin but the power was restored after 10 days. Since then, LIPA has sent the Becaks two bills totaling more than $500 even though the lights have been off. 

Mike learned how to read his meter on the LIPA website, he came out here just before Christmas, did the math and realized that LIPA was overcharging them by 100 percent.

The Becaks say they tried to call LIPA two or three times in late December, but had trouble getting through.

We called LIPA this afternoon and were able to reach someone in about 11 minutes.

The authority said it actually did a meter reading on the Bekaks' home last week.

"...the customer will be rebilled to their actual use rather than estimated reads, which will accurately reflect their energy use," LIPA said in a statement.

The Becaks were thrilled by LIPA's response. That money could be used to help rebuild their lives after the storm.