As of 1:00 p.m. on Friday approximately 300,000 utility customers remain without power statewide, down from a peak of 1.4 million.
The BPU understands that being without power is extremely frustrating and is in constant contact with all utilities to ensure they are working to restore power as efficiently and effectively as they are able. The aftermath of Isaias was particularly severe with damage both to transmission systems as well as poles and wires. It will take some time due to the severity of the damage with many downed trees which impact the most isolated outages. Some of the outages, especially in areas serviced by JCP&L are extremely difficult to address given the location of these customers. Much of JCP&L’s territory is heavily wooded and in rural areas. In particular many downed trees falling on power lines and knocking down poles presents a significant obstacle to restoring power. JCP&L has indicated they will have the majority of power restored by tonight and tomorrow, the rest by Tuesday.
