JCP&L Is ‘Better’ Today Than When Sandy Hit, President Says

By Monmouth County Patch Staff

JCP&L is a “better organization today” than when Superstorm Sandy struck in October, James Fakult, newly appointed president told NJ.com.

JCP&L took on much criticism regarding its lack of communication with its customers and municipalities as well as its ability to restore electricity in a timely manner.

Former Middletown Mayor Tony Fiore, who is currently a township committeeman, echoed those concerns while participating in a 2012 meeting with other municipal leaders.

"If they can figure out if a customer hasn't paid a bill and shut the power off, then they can figure out if a customer has no power," he said at the time.

Now, Fakult is praising the energy company for the improvements that have been made since the hurricane.

Most recently president of First Energy’s Maryland operation, Fakult replaced Don Lynch who had been with JCP&L since 1976 and announced retirement in April, NJ.com reported.

Fakult comes to JCP&L just as the company seeks to recover $603 million in Sandy-related damage repair. The company is also seeking a $31 million rate hike, NJ.com said.

But Fakult commended JCP&L’s response during Sandy and its dedication towards development. JCP&L made a $1.8 billion investment towards infrastructure over the last decade and will be making $200 million in storm repair work, NJ.com reported.

Most recently, the company has rebuilt transmission lines and upgraded substation equipment. JCP&L has also announced that it will be replacing underground distribution cables, upgrading distribution circuits to reduce outages and expanding its tree trimming near utility poles and lines.