Furious over the blackouts? New Jersey launches two probes into JCP&L

⚡ New Jersey regulators have opened two investigations into JCP&L, including a long-running reliability case and a new review of the utility's response to the July 4 outages.
🏠 Residents and businesses are being asked to share their experiences after thousands lost power during dangerous heat and storm conditions.
📝 The BPU says public comments will help determine whether additional regulatory action against electric utilities is warranted.

For years, Jersey Central Power & Light has faced criticism over the reliability of its electric system. Now, following another round of widespread outages that left tens of thousands of customers without power during the Fourth of July holiday, state regulators are intensifying their scrutiny and asking for feedback from JCP&L customers.

BPU expands oversight of JCP&L reliability

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has opened two proceedings involving JCP&L. One advances an existing enforcement case over the company's failure to meet the state's minimum electric reliability standards in 2022, 2023 and 2024. The second launches a broader review of how New Jersey's electric utilities, including JCP&L, responded to the July heat wave and severe storms that knocked out power to thousands of homes and businesses.

"New Jersey residents deserve safe, affordable, reliable electric service, and this proceeding reflects the Board's commitment to holding utilities accountable when they fail to meet our standards," BPU President Ben Hertz-Shargel said in a statement. "We will continue to closely scrutinize JCP&L's performance, take corrective actions, and use every tool available to defend utility customers across the state."

Fallen power lines and utility poles in Morris County (JCP&L)

The reliability case stems from an Order to Show Cause first issued in August 2025 after regulators determined JCP&L repeatedly failed to meet the Board's minimum reliability requirements. The latest action moves that case forward as the state considers what corrective actions may be appropriate.

July 4 power outages spark new investigation

The second investigation comes after the July 4 storms and extreme heat left many customers without electricity for days. According to the BPU, it received numerous complaints from residents and local officials about lengthy restoration estimates, poor communication and concerns over whether utilities deployed enough restoration crews.

The frustration has been amplified by the fact that New Jersey residents already pay some of the highest electric rates in the country. Many customers questioned why, despite rising utility bills, they were left without power during dangerously high temperatures.

The BPU said utility companies are required to submit detailed post-storm reports within 20 days. Board staff will review those reports along with public comments to determine whether additional regulatory action is warranted.

JCP&L responds

JCP&L spokesman Chris Hoenig said the utility is investing a billion dollars this year in upgrades to benefit customers and is working with the BPU to review the company's response to the storms and improve service.

"Four consecutive days of severe thunderstorms, damaging winds and flooding rains earlier this month caused widespread damage across JCP&L's service territory, with impacts comparable to those experienced during a hurricane," Hoenig said Thursday.

"Throughout the restoration effort, our crews remained focused on a single objective: restoring service safely and as quickly as possible to every affected customer. To support that effort, JCP&L mobilized resources from across the eastern United States. In total, approximately 5,700 personnel worked around-the-clock on the restoration, including lineworkers, forestry crews, hazard responders, damage assessors, dispatchers and support personnel."

Fallen trees and wires from July 3 thunderstorms

How customers can submit comments to the BPU

The Board is encouraging anyone affected by the July Fourth weekend outages to share their experiences.

Residents can submit comments through the BPU's online docket by using the "Post Comment" feature or email comments to Board.Secretary@BPU.NJ.gov, referencing Docket No. EO26070387. Those comments will become part of the official record as regulators evaluate how utilities responded to the outages.

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