Tonight's Committee Meeting First Since Recent Power Outages

BASKING RIDGE, NJ—The Bernards Township Committee will meet tonight for the first time since substantial power outages left thousands of residents in the dark for up to six days.

"While I'm happy that power is finally restored," said Bernards Mayor James Baldassare, "please know that we will be have our JCP&L representative(s) attending a public meeting in the coming weeks to give our residents a chance to ask their questions and voice their concerns."

The township was one of the hardest-hit communities in the area, with thousands of homes lacking electricity and roads blocked by storm debris. JCP&L dispatched additional workers late last week to help restore power, but some customers had to wait until late Monday night for the lights to come back on.

"Utility crews have replaced more than 53 miles of wire, repaired or replaced more than 550 poles and 2,500 cross arms, and worked through more than 700 closed roads to repair service," said a statement by Jersey Central Power & Light, when asked about the delays.

The remaining 18 customers in Somerset County still without power were expected to be restored by 3:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Tonight's meeting is open to the public. You can also watch remotely here.