The winter of 2014 is sure to end up in the history books as one of the worst on record and New Jersey's utility companies have been hit almost as hard as the roads throughout the Garden State.

(Credit: Toniann Antonelli, Townsquare Media NJ)
Snow sits atop power lines following a recent winter storm.
(Credit: Toniann Antonelli, Townsquare Media NJ)
Snow sits atop power lines following a recent winter storm.
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With each approaching storm, the state's utility companies take steps to make sure they're prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at us.

So far this season, there have been more than 34 snow or storm-related weather events and there are still about 33 days left until spring starts. While the snow has ended for this latest storm, state utility crews continue to deal with residual issues.

Each of the companies tells Townsquare Media that no matter how much you plan and prepare, winter weather is very unpredictable. Days before a storm, JCP&L spokesman Ron Morano said "they watch the forecasts closely, meet with the staff and bring in additional manpower."

The utility companies have no shortage of people on that waiting list. They have line shop staff, additional forestry crews to respond and they activate their storm restoration plans.

During the year, the companies send people out to do routine trimming of trees, especially near power lines.

"There are some we can't actually touch because they fall outside our jurisdiction," said Atlantic City Electric spokesman Frank Tedesco. "Oftentimes, it's these trees that pose the most threat."

The same procedures are done by Atlantic City Electric. They urge anyone with power problems at any time to let them know.

For JCP&L, the hotline number is 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877). You can also report your outage online at: firstenergycorp.com/content/customer/outages_help/Report_Power_Outages.html

AC Electric customers should call 1-800-642-3780 or go to: atlanticcityelectric.com/home/emergency/report/online/default.aspx

PSE&G customer can report outages by calling 1-800-436-7734 or go to: http://pseg.com/home/customer_service/outage_info/index.jsp

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