The Long Island Power Authority said Friday that Irene was the most expensive storm in the utility's history, costing $176 million to restore power and clean up the damage left in its wake.
The disaster cost could mean a rate hike for customers.
LIPA Chairman Howard Steinberg said he has "no appetite" for a hike, and promises to look for spending cuts to offset the cost of the storm.
FEMA is expected to reimburse 75 percent of the cost, but LIPA will be on the hook to cover the rest, about $44 million.
Irene knocked out power to more than 523,000 LIPA customers, a record for the utility.
LIPA's costs include transporting and paying for more than 3,500 extra workers from out of town, and putting them in hotels.
Copyright The Associated Press
