Cancel Kessel

Then-Gov. David Paterson's choice to head the New York Power Authority, Richie Kessel, turns out to have been a big mistake, just as we predicted.

Now, only two questions remain:

* How much has it cost ratepayers?

* Will the mistake ever be fixed?

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman this week had to order Kessel to quit handing NYPA customers' cash to his favorite charities -- a practice he apparently brought over from his days at the Long Island Power Authority.

Never mind that then-AG Andrew Cuomo ruled in 2007 that the two authorities were not legally allowed to do that. (As if a legal ruling should be needed.)

Spurring Schneiderman's slap was a Freedom of Information request from ex-Port Authority boss George Marlin, which revealed numerous dubious NYPA donations, like one for $4,750 to Kessel's hometown Merrick Chamber of Commerce.

An NYPA aide insisted it was all proper and tied to the authority's work.

But that didn't seem to satisfy the AG, who warned Kessel anyway.

No wonder Cuomo, now governor, wants an adult to keep an eye on NYPA: He nominated an ex-NYPA chairman and respected veteran of the Rudy Giuliani and Hugh Carey teams, John Dyson, to the authority's board, presumably to serve as top dog again.

Just one problem: Kessel's past largess may have influenced enough officials, perhaps even Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (a fellow Long Islander), to stymie the Dyson move.

For sure, Kessel and Skelos have many friends in common -- including such powerhouses as former-Sen. Alfonse D'Amato.

On Tuesday, the board will hold its annual meeting, but Skelos has no specific plans, an aide said, for the Senate to OK Cuomo's choice by then.

Which means Dyson may lose out.

And Kessel would continue to have free rein. With ratepayer cash.

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