Richard Kessel, chairman of the Long Island Power Authority, was the guest speaker at the May 9 meeting of the Syosset Chamber of Commerce.

Kessel explained that last year was a challenge for LIPA with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees for over three days last summer. "We were very close to losing power last summer," said Kessel. "We are lucky that we did not have rolling blackouts."

According to Kessel, the economy on Long Island continues to grow at a rapid pace despite the thought that September 11 would slow things down. "This was the mildest winter in history, now we have a drought, and we had a 96 degree heat wave last month so we are expecting a hot summer," said Kessel.

Kessel assured those in attendance that electric bills would not be going up this summer. He also explained that there is a lot that the business community can do to help the situation.

There is a program offered that allows people to turn in their old air conditioners at local stores and buy an energy star unit - as a reward, LIPA will offer that customer a $75 rebate.

"Over half-a-million old units have been turned in in our area," said Kessel. "Not only do you get the rebate, but you save money on your electric bill because you have a better model air conditioner."

LIPA is also promoting another, what Kessel calls, energy-saving plan. For those homes and businesses that use central air conditioning and the Internet, they can have a free thermostat installed, receive $25 off their bill and use the Internet to control the temperature. The details on this option brought moans from those in attendance because it gives LIPA the power to control your temperature from their offices through their Internet, although there would be an override button located in the home or office.

Although Kessel stated that we are not out of the woods when it comes to our energy problems on Long Island, he said that we should be able to get enough power this summer.

After Kessel spoke, Chamber President Jerry Siegel raised some housekeeping issues. Someone in the community made an anonymous donation of 30 3X5 foot American flags, a $2,500 value. These flags will be hung throughout Syosset to decorate for Memorial Day. Chamber members are invited to march with the Syosset Chamber of Commerce in the annual Memorial Day parade. For those interested, meet at Variety Children's Learning Center at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, May 27.

The chamber meets on the second Thursday of every month at 7:30 a.m. for networking at 8 a.m. for meetings at St. Mary's Children and Family Services.