Hervey Resigns LIPA Post

LIPA Chief Operating Officer Michael Hervey has resigned.

His resignation is effective at the end of December, according to a statement issued by Long Island Power Authority Chairman Howard E. Steinberg.

"Mike has provided 12 years of valuable service to LIPA, including taking on the responsibility to perform the functions of CEO of the organization over the past two years," Steinberg stated. "Mike has played a leadership role in connection with the planned structural changes at LIPA going forward which will result in better service and accountability to LIPA’s customers in the years ahead."

It was a lack of solid service and accountability that helped turn LIPA into a lightning rod in the wake of Sandy, which knocked more than 900,000 customers off the grid, many of whom struggled without power for more than a week.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo skewered LIPA's inability to restore power after the storm and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone stopped dealing with LIPA headquarters, adding that it was easier for him to deal with local substations because power authority officials didn't know where their resources were.

Hervey's responsibilities include oversight of LIPA’s Transmission and Distribution business. In addition, he oversees the organization of the corporate office and contractual outsource agreements.

Hervey stepped in as acting CEO in 2010 after former chief Kevin Law resigned the job to take over as chief executive of the Long Island Association.

Story by David Reich-Hale