Jackson Township has launched a new community-wide initiative that allows residents to report malfunctioning or burned-out streetlights to ensure timely repairs by Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L).

The program is designed to enhance roadway and pedestrian safety, maintain Jackson’s rural character by minimizing light pollution, and to keep all of the township’s streetlights operational.Over the next 60 days, residents are encouraged to identify and report any streetlight issues, including burned-out bulbs, malfunctioning fixtures, or to help the township identify areas where new lighting may be beneficial. Reports can be submitted by emailing [email protected], including the pole number and its location.

Each pole’s identification number can be found on a metal tag located approximately six feet above the ground.

“Our residents deserve well-lit and safe streets, especially along major municipal and county roads where visibility is crucial,” said Council President Mordechai Burnstein. “At the same time, we remain committed to preserving Jackson’s rural charm and preventing unnecessary light pollution.”

Burnstein added that during a recent engineering meeting, he was surprised to learn that JCP&L continues to bill the township for streetlights regardless of whether a streetlight is working or not. The utility owner bills the municipality based on a predetermined tariff, assuming the light is working as intended.

The utility often continues to charge this set amount regardless of whether the light is functional, as there is no automatic meter reading to indicate an outage. The utility owner relies on the customer ( the municipality) to report inoperative lights.

“We’re being charged by the power company for bulbs that have been burned out for months or even years,” he said. “This process ensures accountability and better service for our residents.”

The issue came to light following an internal review initiated by Mayor Jennifer L. Kuhn shortly after taking office. Burnstein emphasized that residents’ participation is essential to the success of this project and encouraged them to categorize their reports into three areas: streetlights that are burned out or malfunctioning, which are the easiest to get repaired, poles without lights where illumination would improve safety, and areas lacking both poles and lighting where installation might be warranted.

All reports collected will be reviewed collaboratively by the Jackson Police Department, the township’s engineering department, and JCP&L to determine appropriate actions.

Updated maintenance reports will be submitted to JCP&L monthly to ensure prompt attention and bulb replacement.

While lights on residential neighborhood streets will continue to operate with new fixtures of similar standard wattage and intensity, the Township will look to upgrade fixtures on major roads to have higher-intensity lighting for enhanced safety.

Help us improve our roadway safety in Jackson. Residents can immediately start reporting street light problems today.

For additional information or to report a streetlight issue, residents should email [email protected] with the pole number and location details.