Mayor: Most JCP&L Information 'Incorrect'

In a letter designed to inform residents of what's going on between the municipality and Jersey Central Power & Light, Washington Township Mayor Ken Short said information provided by the utility provider has often been incorrect.

In a discussion with JCP&L, Short said he was told 1,200 work crews are coming to New Jersey on Friday to help finish restoration efforts.

Short also emphasizes helping neighbors in the message. In its entirety, the letter says:

As I’m sure you are all aware, Washington Township was one of the most devastated municipalities as result of Hurricane Sandy. As I write this, there are still over 2,500 homes without power. I have been in daily contact with JCP&L, Assemblyman Bucco, Senator Bucco, the Governor’s office, Morris County OEM, Verizon, Comcast and others. 

It is very unfortunate that much of the information provided to me by JCP&L is incorrect. It took over 36 hours for a return call from our contact “hot line” from JCP&L. I can only relate the information that I am provided. I can assure you that this will be corrected in the future. Several areas of the Township have had power restored although there are numerous “spot” outages which affects many homes.  Some of the areas with partial restorations are: Wooded Valley, Spring Acres, Quail Run, Hidden Hills, Gentry Estates, Parker Acres, Wooded Valley I, Brush Meadows as well as some smaller subdivisions. 

I spoke with Mr. Jeff Elser (Director of External Affairs for First Energy) at 3:45 p.m. He has promised me a callback this evening with accurate information. I emphasized power restoration to Old Farmers School, Middle School, Cuccinella School, and WMCHS.  When power is provided to these schools, most of the residential neighborhoods should also gain power. All four substations that provide power to Washington Township are operational and the transmission lines are active. The connection of distribution lines, to the neighborhoods, is the next step in completing power restoration.  I have requested JCP&L’s work schedule for Friday, as well as their work locations. These will be checked throughout the day. 

As many residents are aware, schools are canceled for tomorrow (Friday).  In addition, Halloween trick or treating will be on Saturday, Nov. 10, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. to insure the safety of our children.  I have also been without power, internet, and land lines and have issues with communication. 

For information, please visit the Township Website, Long Valley Patch, Observer Tribune website, WRNJ radio (1510 AM), the OEM telephone, digital sign boards, as well as Honeywell and Nixle alerts.

This is a time when neighbors and friends can use your help. Please open your doors. If you have a generator that is not in use, please let the Township know. In addition, please leave any extra water containers that you may have at the various water refill locations We’ll all get through this crisis together and then we’ll work together to make sure this never happens again to us in the future.

Best Regards,

Ken Short, Mayor