NJ Panel Probes How Utilities Handled Sandy

The head of Jersey Central Power & Light is being grilled by the Senate Budget Committee over how his utility handled Superstorm Sandy and a subsequent nor'easter.

CEO Donald Lynch acknowledged there was confusion managing out-of-state line crews and tree cutters brought in to help the utility restore power to 1.3 million customers.

Earlier, the head of New Jersey's largest utility said 1.7 million PSE&G customers lost power because a storm surge overwhelmed switching stations and trees toppled power lines.

CEO Ralph LaRossa says it cost $250 to $300 million to restore power to homes and businesses.

The panel is examining how the state's utilities responded to the historic storm.

The executives recommend building stronger systems, more aggressive tree trimming and better communication.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)