Testa Calls for Renewed Emphasis on Preventing Power Outages from Storms

Senator Michael Testa today said the massive power outages resulting from Tropical Storm Isaias prove there is much work remaining to make New Jersey’s power grid more robust.

“Every time a storm hits, the results are the same. Trees come down, wires come down, people go without power for days,” said Testa. “Trees growing too close to electrical lines is a recipe for trouble in storms, and as long as there’s resistance when the utility companies plan to cut back vegetation that jeopardizes power delivery to residents, we’re going to continue to suffer massive outages like the ones this week.

“Trees are an important component of the Garden State landscape, but we must be reasonable when it comes to protecting residents – many who depend on electricity for medical needs – from extensive blackouts,” continued Testa.

Thousands of homes in Cape May and Cumberland counties remain without power due to the storm that crossed the region Monday night into Tuesday.

“Our senior citizens, especially those living alone, and families with young children are the hardest hit when power goes out,” said Testa. “People need to have confidence that their lights will stay on, and if they lose power, it will be restored quickly.”

Once the storm had passed, more than 1.5 million homes across the state were without power.

“Crews from all over the area are working day and night to restore power,” said Testa. “Right now, the priority is turning the lights on for frustrated families, but in the long run, we need to place more of an emphasis on preventing blackouts.”

Testa today joined the members of the Senate Republican caucus in a letter to New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Joseph Fiordaliso calling for bolstering the resilience of the State’s electrical power grid, and formulating comprehensive plans for emergency responses in the future.

“After Superstorm Sandy, billions of dollars were spent to strengthen electricity distribution and an Energy Management Plan was written,” said Testa. “The plan is inefficient. We need BPU’s leadership to create a workable and effective strategy to help keep the lights on and protect the power grid.”