CODEY CALLS ON NEW JERSEY BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITES TO EXAMINE JCP&L’S LACK OF RESILIANCY AND CUSTOMER COMMUNICATION AND SET HARD DEADLINES FOR IMPROVEMENTS

LIVINGSTON – Senator Richard J. Codey today called on the state Board of Public Utilities to hold hearings on JCP&L and their lack of storm resiliency and timely restoration information for customers, and asking them to set hard deadlines for the company to meet improvement goals.

“After Superstorm Sandy, we worked with all of our utilities to focus on upgrades to technology and communication in order to get customers back online as quickly as possible and provide them with updates,” Senator Codey said. “We all thought this would never happen again, especially with JCP&L, but it has. If JCP&L cannot adequately meet the needs of their service territory, they should face revocation of their franchise.”

“Tropical Storm Isaias was a statewide event, and the difference between JCP&L and the 3 other power companies that operate in New Jersey was clear. In terms of their ability to service their customers, JCP&L is a distant fourth, and not even in sight of their peers.” Senator Codey added. “I spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out why, and it seems their technology is way behind. The tools exist to do a better job, and other electric providers proved it is possible.”

“We understand that storms will cause damage, especially in heavily wooded neighborhoods, but the key is letting people know what is going on. Customers need to know when they can expect service to return so that they can make contingency plans.”

“I ask that the Board of Public Utilities hold hearings regarding the response to this storm and as well as JCP&L’s readiness for the next one. We all know it is only a matter of time before we face another big storm and we can’t have a repeat of this performance. Once the BPU has the needed information, they must set goals for the utilities with real deadlines that must be met.”