JCP&L Rate Hike Hearings Bring Criticism, Support

Final hearing on a 4.1 percent increase for state's second largest utility

The sixth and final hearing on a request for a rate increase by the state’s second largest utility company met with a mix of praise and criticism for Jersey Central Power & Light Wednesday at Freehold Township’s Town Hall. JCP&L, fresh off widespread criticism for its handling of Hurricane Sandy and the Nor’easter that followed, is seeking a 4.1 percent increase in the rates it charges its 1.1 million customers – many of whom were without power for up to two weeks after this winter’s storms. The Morristown-based company, the main power supplier in Monmouth, Ocean and Morris counties, is seeking to recoup the $630 million it spent on repairs following Sandy. It has petitioned the state regulatory board -- the Board of Public Utilities -- …

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Power Outages Affecting Route 9 lights, Residents

Restoration could take several hours

The rain on Friday morning has left more than 1000 customers without power and according to the township it is also affecting traffic lights along the Route 9 corridor.  As of 9:40 JCP&L is reporting 695 outages in the township although an email from the township said that number could be as high as 1100.  The storm has also knocked out power to traffic lights from New Friendship Road to the Lakewood border. According to the township's website the utility has estimated two hours to have power fully restored depending on the weater. 

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JCP&L Preparing for Arriving Storm

Utility Company bringing in extra crews to combat outages.

With at least a few inches of snow expected to fall in our area and strong winds blowing through JCP&L is preparing for any possible power outages with the approaching storm. According to information provided by Howell Township Manager Helene Schlegel the company has already taken several steps to prepare for the storm that could include not only precipitation but also winds with gusts of up to 60 MPH.  JCP&L said they are also taking the following additional steps: • Bringing in more than 120 line personnel and hazard responders from FirstEnergy’s Ohio utilities to support restoration efforts  • Securing 120 tree contractor crews to respond to tree-related conditions  • Communicating with emergency management officials, state officials, …

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Car Accident Involving Pole Causes Power Outages in Freehold and Howell

By 1:30 p.m. most power has been restored to the area. One person was transported to CentraState Medical Center due to injuries sustained from accident.

A car accident involving a pole sent one person to the hospital and caused over 2,000 Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) customers in Freehold and Howell Township to lose power. A Freehold Township Police dispatcher said a car hit a pole in the area of Halls Mill Road and Elton-Adelphia Road earlier this afternoon. At 1 p.m. the JCP&L outage map showed that 1,510 Freehold residents and 1,150 Howell residents were without power. By 1:30 p.m. only 17 outages were reported in Freehold and less than five were reported in Howell. According to Freehold Township Police, the pole hit was a Verizon service pole, but JCP&L was at the scene of the crash working to restore power. The injured person has been transported to CentraState Medical Center. 

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Lisa

8:56 pm on Wednesday, February 13, 2013

If it is the first report that "the action is over," it is indeed "breaking news."   more ›

JCP&L Says It Will Improve Communication With Towns During Storms

Utility company lists communication enhancements

Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L) is saying that it will improve its communication with towns during "significant storm events," after the utility company was criticized by many municipal officials after Hurricane Sandy. JCP&L announced new practices and upcoming technology improvements at meetings on Jan. 3 in Eatontown and Morristown with members of the League of Municipalities, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and the New Jersey State Police. A news release from JCP&L states that the communication enhancements will include: "We are committed to continuous improvement for our customers and welcome the opportunity to work with state, county and municipal officials over the next several months as we implement these new …

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JCP&L Offers Customers Payment Plan Options In Aftermath of Hurricane Sandy

In addition to payment plan arrangements there is a 'promise to pay' extension of up to 10 days beyond the due date printed on the latest statement

JCP&L has recently revised its payment plan options for customers who may need help paying their electric bills in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. “Hurricane Sandy was a devastating storm and continues to be a financial hardship for many of our customers,” said Ronald Green, vice president of FirstEnergy. Payment plans can be more flexible than the current installment plan arrangements and revised plans will remain in effect through March 15, 2013. “Whether it be lengthening the payback period or reducing the down payment amount, our goal is to tailor the payment plan options to better assist customers in the hardest hit areas,” Green said. The revised payment plan arrangements for JCP&L customers are: For customers in New Jersey who …

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Dump Truck Knocks Out Power in Freehold and Howell

JCP&L outage map shows over 1,000 Freehold Township residents and almost 3,000 Howell residents are currently without power.

This story was updated at 2:36 p.m. with information from the scene of the accident. Close to 4,000 residents are without power Tuesday afternoon after a dump truck knocked out power. According to JCP&L representative Jerry Ricciardi, the outage was believed to have come from a car hitting a pole at the intersection of Rt. 9 and Casino Road. After arriving at the scene, a dump truck looks to be the reason behind 4,000 outages in Freehold and Howell. The JCP&L outage map currently shows that out of the residents affected 1,049 are Freehold residents and 2,845 are Howell residents. JCP&L crews are already at the scene of the crash and working to restore power to those affected. 

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Monmouth County Officials Vent Frustations Over JCP&L

Summit held in Tinton Falls for discussion of utility company's service during and after Hurricane Sandy

Officials from Monmouth County towns gathered at Tinton Falls Borough Hall on Monday afternoon to discuss and critique Jersey Central Power and Light's (JCP&L) service and communication during Hurricane Sandy. Most officials in attendance agreed that JCP&L did not effectively communicate with their towns during the hurricane and that many were left without the information they needed to get out to residents. "It was absolutely poor execution by JCP&L," Marlboro Mayor Jonathan Hornik said. "A little anger and venting is exactly what JCP&L needs to hear," Long Branch Mayor Adam Schneider said. The discussion was hosted by Tinton Falls Mayor Michael Skudera and Middletown Mayor Tony Fiore. "The goal for today is not for this to become a gripe…

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Hurricane Sandy

Township Expects Power Restoration by Saturday Night

Some people may still be without power

Some Howell residents have been without power since Hurricane Sandy hit last week while others were left in the dark after that storm and then again by Wednesday's snow.  According to an email from the Mayor and Council the administration expects the township to be largely back on the power grid by Saturday night. While the bulk of residents should have their power back, "there will be some residents remaining without power due to individual damage to dwellings." On Friday night there were still 2,651 outages reported in the township but the administration hopes to see those numbers greatly reduced this time tomorrow. "We understand that this is a trying time for everyone who continues to be without power," the email said. "There is no …

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webby

7:20 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2012

It was horrible wasn't it? I was so happy when I found an old radio then jimmie rigged batteries to fit it.Thank God for 101.5 they were are only contact with the outside world!It was very scary!!!Felt like the end of the world.No word from anyone and I too listened to the radio and nothing from Howell,not a peep!   more ›