Township Provides Thursday Night Update on Power
5000 outages still reported in town
After the first big snowstorm of the year on Wednesday many residents who had lost power as a result of the storm once again were put back on the grid by the time Thursday was over.
In an update from the Mayor and Council, work is continuing to have power restored to all the residents of Howell. "There are numerous reasons why our town lost power," the statement said. "We are told that there were an extensive number of trees down, transformer explosions and damage at the substations that feed Howell."
For the more than 5000 homes still without power the council said they do not have a timeframe on when their service will be restored. Anyone without power is asked to call 1-888-LIGHTSS to report their outage.
Once power is restored the council said there will still be more work to be done. "We are sure that the Governor and Board of Public Utilities (BPU), which oversees the utility, will hold hearings after this crisis is over." The council said when those hearings are held the opinion of the local council will be heard "LOUDLY."
Township Manager Helene Schlegel will also reportedly be part of a focus group that will meet with the top administrators of the BPU.
The hearings are still down the road but the council said they are "doing everything humanly possible to get power restored in Howell Township." Unfortunately, they added, "We are at the mercy of the utility company."
For those residents without power who wish to be taken to one of the county operated shelters they can call the Howell Police Department at 732-938-4111 to have arrangements made.
Even the administration was not immune from the problems caused by Wednesday's storm. "Township communications have been limited due to power and telecommunication outages," the statement said.
While aknowledging that Howell is not the only town with power problems the council said, "We know this doesn't make anyone feel any better and we will continue to aggressively pressure JCP&L to restore all power to Howell Township Customers."
Scott PalmieriI
10:00 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012
Pressure who ?? The power companies are doing the best they can 16 hours a day seven days a week, power crews here from all over the country working to restore power. Sandy was a storm like none we have ever seen or hope to ever see again, and the freak snow storm was the icing on the cake. So I say be patient they are doing the best they can I have seen what they are up against also bear in mind the men and women who are working tiredesly to restore power have suffered damages to there own homes, been away from their families to get us back on the grid. So again I ask pressure who ?? Don't u think those lineman have enough pressure do deal with without you adding more ???
Jim
10:23 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012
It's not the linemen, it's the lack of investment in the infrastructure by jcpl. It seems our power is very sensitive to outages....why? Not everyone in howell face the same sensitivity....and it's gotten worse over the years. But when we first moved here 17 yrs ago, we experienced outages right away, more than others in howell. They need to address the issue. Gov Christie has tried to get the outage fine raised to $2MM vs. $100 per day, but Sweeney and Oliver have blocked it. When jcpl determines whether to invest, then this fine should factor into their cost benefit analysis.
Bryan Stillwell
1:41 am on Friday, November 9, 2012
I am hearing we are 2nd to the people who lost power from Sandy so it won't be until middle of next week. What a bunch a crap this is.
E Carrera
7:09 am on Friday, November 9, 2012
With the Asbury Park Grid that feeds the West Side of Equestra at Colts Neck Crossing, whenever there is a storm, regardless of the season..the power is always lost in our community. Can JCP&L PLEASE upgrade or do whatever they have to do to alleviate this constant unsafe problem?
Gregg
7:17 am on Friday, November 9, 2012
Raising the outage fine can only raise my rates which already high! Properly installing lines and maintains the area(s) around them is the goal here. And I don't believe anyone suggested putting pressure in the linemen, it is upper management that needs to feel the pressure.
Ron C
8:54 am on Friday, November 9, 2012
What power grid is Aldrich Road connected too. Or more specifically, Glen Arden? I read the township release thats said basically every substation had been reparied and JCPL shows the Howell outages down to below 4,000 but everywhere I go there is no power
Brad clinton
9:04 am on Friday, November 9, 2012
North Howell get screwed again. WE Pay the high taxes but get nothing in return. WE only had power for a few hours (like 6 or 7) on Wed then lost it again. Lines are down on Brickyard and Buckalew but no one cares. We haven't even seen a cop drive by since Sandy. How about it Howell!!!!!!
Holly George
10:04 am on Friday, November 9, 2012
Pretty sure the number out in Howell on jcpl website is wrong as of today 11/9..... Too low. Not what was told to me on the phone this morning by jcpl representative. Make sure to call in if you are out.