New Jersey’s utility regulators have opened a formal review of Jersey Central Power & Light’s response to widespread power outages during a stretch of severe heat and storms earlier this month, following complaints from residents and local officials about prolonged outages and poor communication.

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities announced that they will examine how the state’s electric distribution companies responded to outages that affected Lakewood and other surrounding communities during the July 4 holiday weekend and the days that followed.

The review comes after residents reported being without electricity for extended periods during dangerously high temperatures. Local officials also raised concerns about lengthy restoration estimates, communication with utilities, and whether enough crews were deployed to restore service.

As part of the proceeding, Board staff will review mandatory post-event reports that each electric utility is required to submit within 20 days of a major outage event. Regulators will also consider comments submitted by members of the public before determining whether utilities met state performance standards or whether additional regulatory action is necessary.

“The Board remains committed to holding New Jersey’s electric utilities accountable for providing safe, adequate, and reliable electric service and effective communication during outage events,” the agency said in announcing the review.

The review will include the performance of all of New Jersey’s electric distribution companies, including Jersey Central Power & Light, which serves approximately 1.2 million customers across 13 counties, including Ocean County.

State officials are encouraging residents affected by outages during the July 4 weekend and the following week to submit comments through the Board’s online docket or by email. Those comments will become part of the public record and will be considered as regulators evaluate the utilities’ storm response.

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities regulates the state’s electric, natural gas, water, telecommunications and cable television utilities and is responsible for overseeing the safety, reliability and adequacy of utility service.

Any member of the public who was impacted by outages during the July 4^th weekend and into the following week are encouraged to submit comments by clicking here to access the Docket and using the “Post Comment” button, or by emailing comments to [email protected] and referencing Docket No. EO26070387.