Politics & Government

Mayor Vents Frustration at JCP&L

Vows to write a letter to the BPU about utility's lack of communication after Hurricane Irene. He spoke out at Thursday evening's Township Committee meeting

Mayor Impreveduto expressed his outrage at JCP&L during the Township Committee meeting Thursday, saying JCP&L must be held accountable for the long delays in returning power to a few thousand Holmdel residents following Hurricane Irene last weekend. 

He said the CareOne facility on Route 34 -- an acute care facility -- was still without power and working off a limited generator as of Wednesday. 

He called on other mayors, and even residents, to ask lawmakers to make sure JCP&L is held accountable before the state Board of Public Utilities. 

Find out what's happening in Holmdel-Hazletwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The mayor described how the township was not able to contact the municipal representative at JCP&L. The only communication the township received was press releases about its progress in the state. 

He said he planned write a letter to the BPU demanding answers from JCP&L. 

Find out what's happening in Holmdel-Hazletwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

He suggested JCP&L should offer rebates. "Give us something in return instead of the aggravation you are giving us," said the mayor, who only had his power restored on Wednesday morning.

Regarding communication with residents, the mayor said he used telephone messages and releases distributed by Neighborhood Watch captains. "We did everything humanly possible," he said. "We did, and will continue to do, everything within our power." 

The mayor lauded the township volunteers, especially Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Simpson, as well as the fire and police.

Between August 26-29, the police took 2,500 calls, said the mayor. They personally responded to 600 calls, 150 of which were calls for road hazards. 


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