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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Monmouth County Assemblywomen Object to Proposed JCP&L Tax Hike

Over 1,300 signatures have been gathered opposing rate hike proposed by JCP&L.

Two Monmouth County Assemblywomen are standing up against a proposed hike from Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L) with a petition and public hearing  According to a press release, Assemblywomen Amy H. Handlin and Caroline Casagrande have collected hundreds of signatures objecting to a rate hike proposed by JCP&L, which began public hearings on Monday. “Our constituents are tired of over promises and underperformances by their electric company and we’re going to make sure their voices are heard until JCP&L pulls the plug on this rate hike,” Handlin said in a press release. “JCP&L’s customers have already paid the price by suffering through prolonged outages, so our response to their request is a simple and firm, ‘No.’” So far, over 1,…

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JCP&L Upgrading Red Bank Operations Center

The utility is installing components to enhance its emergency communications capabilities.

JCP&L is taking steps to improve its ability to communicate with first responders during a large-scale emergency. The utility will install components of the New Jersey Preparedness Emergency Communication Network at its regional dispatching operations in Red Bank and Morristown, spokesman Ron Morano said Thursday. The facilities manage the daily work on the company's electrical system and provide coordination when repair crews are dispatched during widespread power outages. “Participating in this system will enhance our ability to share real-time critical information with our customers, communities and first responders during emergency situations,” JCP&L President Don Lynch said in a press release. “Joining this system is one of the many …

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UPDATE: Power Outage Hits Route 36 Area in Middletown Tuesday

Problem said to be related to Belford substation.

Update 9 p.m. Power was fully restored to Middletown earlier in the afternoon. Update: 1:30 p.m.: Power has been restored to all but 367 users.  A power outage struck Middletown's Route 36 communities around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, killing the lights to 1,777 customers at lunchtime, darkening the traffic signals at busy intersections and prompting reports of flickering lights.  JCP&L said the problem is related to a malfunction at the Belford substation, said Middletown Township Lt. Neal Hansen. "JCP&L has a crew responding," he said at noon. Township Fire Police and officers are stationed at the two Main Street and Route 36 interesections, as well as Wilson Avenue and Route 36.  "We anticipate we power restored shortly," said Hansen.  

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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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Power Outages for 11K in Monmouth After Storm

JCP&L reports 1,000 households each without power in Freehold, Middletown, Marlboro and Millstone.

An evening of heavy winds and rain left over 11,000 without power come Thursday morning. The Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) outage map showed power loss across Monmouth County but particularly in Western Monmouth as of 6:27 a.m. Freehold Township was hit hardest, with 3,182 residents left in the dark. In Middletown, 1,775 households lost power. Some 1,239 in Marlboro lost electric, as did 1,021 in Millstone, 979 in Howell, 575 in Aberdeen, 410 in Manalapan and 141 in Hazlet, according to the outage map.

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Hurricane Sandy

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 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 might need a…

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Middletown Mayor Helps Organize JCP&L Response Summit

Monmouth County officials gathered 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 …

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NJarhead

10:42 am on Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Trimming limbs near or in contact with power lines is the responsibility of the utility: https://www.firstenergycorp.com/content/dam/customer/billinserts/Veg-Management-JCPL-8-11.pdf   more ›

Hurricane Sandy

Middletown's Mayor To Co-Host Mayors' Roundtable on JCP&L's Storm Response

Local mayors will unite Monday to draw up a comprehensive list of suggestions for the power company.

Several Monmouth County mayors have publicly vented their frustration with JCP&L's response to the widespread and lengthy power outages following Hurricane Sandy.  On Monday, they will channel that outrage into constructive use. Led by Middletown Mayor Tony Fiore and Tinton Falls mayor Michael Skudera, town leaders are going to meet at Tinton Falls Borough Hall to come up with a list of suggestions they plan to express to the power company.  "We will share some ideas from a mayor's perspective on what JCP&L needs to do to help customers without power, in a much more quicker and efficient manner," said Fiore. "We're going to give them an action plan."  One suggestion on the mayor's mind is to change the way the JCP&L gives daily updates …

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In Middletown, 97% of JCP&L Customers Without Power

JCP&L outage map shows 97% of JCP&L customers are without power Tuesday night.

Monmouth County's electrical grid took a severe hit by Hurricane Sandy and Middletown Township was no exception. In Middletown on Tuesday at 5:00 p.m., 25,678 out of 26,504 Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) customers were without power, according to the company's New Jersey outage map. That's 97% of all customers. According to the outage map, 94% of Monmouth County, or 262,661 out of 280,646 customers are without power.

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