Bernards Township Committee Passes JCP&L Resolution

BASKING RIDGE, NJ—Referring to JCP&L's failed response to power outages following Tropical Storm Isaias, the Bernards Township Committee passed a resolution on Tuesday night calling for the Bureau of Public Utilities to hold hearings about the response.

"It is clear to the Township Committee and residents of the Township that the infrastructure that JCP&L was charged to maintain—utility poles, transformers substations and wiring, often failed, demonstrating that the utility was unprepared for Tropical Storm Isaias," said the resolution.

Some Bernards residents were without electricity for one week following the storm earlier this month. Frustration mounted as sweltering days passed with no power and, customers said, little communication from the company.

The committee also went on record as opposed to any rate hike for customers in Bernards Township and called on the state Division of Rate Council to oppose any rate increases on behalf of Bernards residents.

The resolution requests the BPU "hold hearings on JCP&L’s response to Tropical Storm Isaias to solicit public comment."

The resolution was sent to BPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso, the Board of Public Utilities Commissioners, the Division of Rate Counsel, Legislators representing this Legislative District, all Somerset County Municipalities and the New Jersey State League of Municipalities.