JCP&L Begins Community Outreach

JCP&L is hitting the ground running, after enduring public criticism as a result of the in 2011.

The power company, which services municipalities across New Jersey, is launching a community outreach program which encompasses everything from better communication on the ground to a daily conference call with the company president for local government officials during a natural disaster.

Gerry Riccardi, JCP&L area spokesman, said the company redesign is a result of what some called sub-par communication after Hurricane Irene.

"Your mayor was on for the residents of Marlboro," he said.

Ricciardi said he will be attending several Town Council meetings in Marlboro and will be available in person for questions from local officials and residents.

The company has also updated its website, to include safety information and updated power outage maps.

In addition to communications improvements, JCP&L has which pinpointed specific areas of concern on five major circuits in Marlboro. Ricciardi said repairs will be done by July 1.

"I was very critical of JC&L after Hurricane Irene," Mayor Jon Hornik said. "JCP&L has spent a lot of time in Marlboro, I do appreciate the effort."

JCP&L will also continue tree-trimming, creating 10 foot clearances around wires. Residents looking to private trees to be trimmed near power lines can submit a request online.

Ricciardi said that while in Northern New Jersey flooding was a major factor, in Marlboro power loss was largely a result of large, fallen trees.

And while communication is improving, the spokesman said there is no way for JCP&L to know about a private outage unless it is reported. Customers can report an outage online or by calling JCP&L at 1-888-544-4877.