March 4th – statement from JCP&L:
JCP&L has experienced extensive infrastructure damage within its transmission and distribution systems; in particular, within northern New Jersey, hundreds of downed trees, approximately 200 broken poles and 1,000 spans of conductor. JCP&L continues its efforts to restore service with public and employee safety at the forefront. Restoration efforts are focused on reducing hazards associated with downed power lines and road closures due to downed power lines.
Public safety is our top priority. JCP&L crews continue to focus on safely clearing downed wires, opening roads for emergency access and restoring service to our customers. Reminder to everyone—stay away from downed wires.
While we anticipate the majority of customers will be restored by late Tuesday night, the anticipated restoration time for customers in the hardest hit areas of northern Morris and Sussex counties is Wednesday, March 7th at 11:30pm. This information will be updated in the FirstEnergy 24/7 Power Center. Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we restore service to our customers.
Report a Power Outage 888-544-4877 (888-LIGHTSS)
24/7 Power Center: http://outages.firstenergycorp.com/nj.html
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Yesterday on the JCP&L elected officials update call, several mayors brought to our attention that their constituents were upset because they had received phone calls or text alerts with erroneous Estimated Times of Restoration (ETRs). We regret this error and any inconvenience it may have caused. The problem occurred due to a system error and it has been corrected. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Also, JCP&L will be performing helicopter patrols of our Northern New Jersey transmission lines on Sunday March 4th. Two helicopters will be utilized to facilitate the process. The helicopter information is below.
Company: Haverfield Aviation
Helicopter: N371EE
Description: Black with red tail numbers
Company: Haverfield Aviation
Helicopter N369D
Description: Black with red tail numbers
JCP&L reminds customers to immediately report any downed wires to the company, or their local police and fire department. Customers should never go near a downed power line, even if they think it is no longer carrying electricity. Extra caution should be used in areas where downed lines are tangled in trees or other debris. To report downed wires or power outages, call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), or click the “Report Outage” link at www.firstenergycorp.com.
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March 3rd– 5:00pm Update from JCP&L call with Mayors this afternoon:
This was a difficult storm because heavy wet snow was preceded by 12 hours of rain, leading to saturated ground and then damaging high winds. These conditions resulted in many downed trees.
Hunterdon, Morris, Sussex and Warren counties were most heavily affected. There are over 460 road closures in these affected counties.
It is important for residents to report outages to JCP&L even if you think your neighbors have already done so, or if you think your information isn’t necessary; JCP&L bases their response on the number of customers affected.
1500 workers are being mobilized from other areas and are on their way. There are challenges getting crews to affected areas due to closed roads.
JCP&L is working through its protocol of priorities, which is safety first, then restoration.
- 911 calls
- critical facilities
- road openings
- then outages
Cut and make safe crews are out now, repair crews will follow; priority today is safety.
Shop Rite in Chester is a water/ice center. Go to courtesy counter and receive voucher.
Residents should expect outages to last 2-3 days.
Chester Township and Borough residents should report outages and downed wires to JCP&L first, then report downed wires and dangerous conditions to Chester Police on its non-emergency line at 908-879-5514.
The Mayors have been in contact with Assemblyman Bucco, who is monitoring our storm recovery progress.
The Mayors have also been in frequent contact with our JCP&L area representative who gives us as much specific info as he possibly can.
More updates will be provided as available. We are grateful for your patience and cooperation as we work to recover from this storm.
Please continue to check on neighbors to help keep them informed and safe.
Thank you,
Mayor Marcia Asdal, Chester Township
Mayor Janet Hoven, Chester Borough
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11:00am JCP&L notified the Mayor that there are 136 outages in the Borough. Realistically, residents should plan on being without power for at least a couple of days. Crews are being dispatched to the area. Updates will be provided as received. Warming center is open from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Highlands Ridge Barn on North Road.