Three New Jersey politicians sent a letter to the head of the state’s public utilities board questioning why it has taken so long for power to be restored to many Garden State residents following Tuesday’s damaging storm.
Senate President Steve Sweeney, Deputy Assembly Speaker John Burzichelli and Assemblyman Adam Taliaferro sent the letter to Board of Public Utilities President Richard Mroz Friday.
The trio demanded immediate action “to correct the failure of Atlantic City Electric to restore power and service lost in the severe storm that struck South Jersey on Tuesday.”
The letter states “more than two days have passed since the storm hit and approximately 85,000 customers are still without power. That is completely unacceptable.”
The letter highlights the increased safety to risk to residents.
“The storm may have been an “act of nature”, but it was not a sudden surprise. It was predicted in advance. Atlantic City Electric, the BPU and all the power companies should have been prepared in advance in order to prevent what damage they could and to respond quickly and effectively in the wake of the storm. The utilities have a responsibility to manage the supply of power and the BPU has a responsibility to make sure they do. This includes the restoration of service when it is lost or reduced for any reason.”
Sweeney, Burzichelli and Mroz requested that the BPU “immediately review Atlantic City Electric’s performance to determine what happened and why the power has not been restored.”
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The letter asks that they be fully informed “on what action is being taken now and what is learned about the failed response.”
